Burnin' the Roadhouse Down is Steve Wariner's first release with Capitol-Nashville. Prior to joining Capitol, he was with Arista, and wasn't too happy. He wanted to release an album, but Arista wasn't pushing for it. After talking to Garth Brooks on a plane to a Tonight Show appearance they were doing together to promote "Longneck Bottle," a Wariner-penned tune on Garth's latest CD, Sevens, Steve let Garth listen to a bit of "Holes in the Floor of Heaven." Garth told Steve that that song needed to be out, then he started asking him about his contract, and would he be interested if Capitol was interested in him. Two months later Steve had three labels interested in him, including Capitol, and he decided to go with them. He gave them the copy of the finished "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" and it was on the radio the next week.

Steve produced the album, and co-wrote ten of the eleven selections. The only one he didn't write was the duet with Anita Cochran, "What if I Said" which Anita penned herself.

At the recent CMA Awards "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" was nominated for both Song of the Year, and Single of the Year, of which it won both awards.

I'd have to say the main reason I bought this album was because back in May of this year, I was at a Garth Brooks concert in Lexington, KY and they played the album prior to the concert's start, and after Trisha Yearwood performed, prior to Garth's portion of the show. It brought back great memories of that concert, but also, it was just full of great sounding songs.

Here's my feelings on each cut:

• Burnin' the Roadhouse Down - Hey, anything with Garth on it isn't half bad, but I really like this song. The style reminds me a lot of "Longneck Bottle" which was written by Steve and Rick Cairnes, just as this one is.
• Holes in the Floor of Heaven - I sure can't argue with the CMA on this one. Tear-jerker, but also gives comfort to people who have lost loved ones recently.
• Every Little Whisper - This is to be Steve's next single from the album, and I'm sure it will go right to #1. It's a killer love song.
• A Six Pack Ago - Honky-tonk style, and listen closely on the very last line, he REALLY sounds like Vince Gill.
• Road Trippin' - Love it! Upbeat, and makes ya wanna go hop in the convertible and take a drive out in the country.
• Love Me Like You Love Me - Smooth love song. Another winner.
• Smoke from an Old Flame - He tells her not to believe her ex-boyfriend when he says he's changed.
• I Don't Know How to Fix It - Steve co-wrote this with Bill Anderson. It's the story of a love that's dying and neither one knows what to do to make it right again.
• Big Ol' Empty House - This song reminds me of an older song, but I can't remember who sang it. It's very traditional sounding.
• Closer I Get To You - Another upbeat selection.
• Big Tops - This is my least favorite. Not a lot to say about it. It's good, just not as good as the others, in my opinion.
• What if I Said - Steve and Anita do a terrific job with this one. Love it.