Cadillac Sky - 'Gravity's Our Enemy'

Gravity's Our Enemy Bottom Line:

As much of a Bluegrass fan as I am, it still might take me a while to warm up to an artist/group depending on a few different factors. From the first time I saw the video for "Born Lonesome" (from the group's 2007 album Blind Man Walking) I was hooked. The talent is undeniable and this new album proves they'll be here to stay. With excellent vocals, songwriting, and arrangements - how could you get any better than this?

About Cadillac Sky

Cadillac Sky is a bluegrass group comprised of Bryan Simpson on vocals/mandolin, Matt Menefee on vocals/banjo, Ross Holmes on vocals/fiddle, Andy Moritz on vocals/bass and newest member David Mayfield who does vocals and plays guitar. You know Ricky Skaggs would have only the best and most talented musicians signed onto his record label, so it's no surprise Cadillac Sky is a top notch group. Not only are they great together, but several members have outside gigs as well. Bryan Simpson has written songs for other Country Music artists and Andy Moritz directs a highly successful class of bass students.

'Gravity's Our Enemy' - The Songs:

"U Stay Gone" is a nice way to transition from the group's debut album to their sophomore effort, which is probably why it's found in the opening slot. After this song ended I just had a feeling what was to follow would be superb. That feeling never left as each song played.

Chances are that nobody's "Goodbye Story" is cheerful, but that doesn't mean the background music can't lighten the mood. This song is from the perspective of a bartender who starts out sympathetic to the bar's patrons only to end up with a "you should have known" way of thinking. He gives everyone the same words of wisdom, because after a while you realize that love and all the heartaches are always similar. That's just how the world works. Go ahead and throw another penny into the wishing well to hope that next time love will stick with you for a while.

It's not too often that a song will grab you so much from the first listen that you find yourself repeating it a few more times before moving on to the next one. "Bible By The Bed" has all the elements of a good song. From the first line there's a wonder of where the story will go, a little bit of hope for the woman, and in the end a little bit of shock as the lyrics give the ending what seems to be a twist. It's a dramatic song without going over the edge. You'll have to hear for yourself - I love it!

Another composition with some kind of twist is "Everybody's Favorite." It's not as dark as "Bible By The Bed," but you'll be able to spot it toward the end of the tune. Twists keep everything interesting.

There are three instrumentals on Gravity's Our Enemy. The first one is "My Precious Waltz" which happens to be the introduction to non-instrumental song "I Hate How Happy She Is." The instrumental has a slow rambling, dustbowl feel to it before breaking into a highly addictive song about a man who isn't too pleased that his baby has moved on with her life and is getting married to someone other than himself.

The two additional instrumentals are "Thank You Esteban" and "The Majestic Swan." Not only do instrumentals give a nice break in between songs, it also allows the group's musicianship a chance to shine.

Love can make people do some crazy things and "Wouldn't Put It Past Love" shares those same sentiments with lines like: "Make a sane man crazy, make a crazy man sane. Make a man turn to drinkin', make him pour it down the drain. Make a man wanna live, make a man wanna die." You can grow up thinking you'll always walk a narrow path, but when things change and times get tough do you really know how far you'll go for something/someone?

There are so many good selections it's hard only picking a few to talk about. When the songs are playing and the album is finding its way closer to the end of the road, "Carousel" begins to play and it's almost like being taken to a different place. The entire thing is so calming and beautiful with almost a daydream feel.

While "Carousel" is about living in love, "2 Good To Last" is more about how love doesn't usually last and good things are almost certain to fade away. It's a strong impression to leave on listeners and I know this album has made one on me.

Release date: August 19, 2008 - Skaggs Family Records

Gravity's Our Enemy Track List:

1. U Stay Gone
2. Goodbye Story
3. Bible By the Bed
4. My Precious Waltz/ I Hate How Happy She is
5. Baby Don't Cry
6. Thank You Esteban
7. Wouldn't Put It Past Love
8. Inside Joke
9. Everybody's Favorite
10. The Wreck
11. The Majestic Swan
12. Carousel
13. It Won't Be Over You
14. 2 Good 2 Last