The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Neon Moon"
- "Lost & Found"
- "My Next Broken Heart"
Cons
- None
Description
- ACM Single of the Year 1992 "Boot Scootin' Boogie."
- ACM Album of the Year 1992
- ACM New Vocal Duo 1991; Vocal Duo 1991 - 1996
Guide Review - Brooks & Dunn - 'Brand New Man'
When Brand New Man was first released, one of the phrases written about it was along the lines of "this disc is just plain fun." And that it is. Pure honky-tonkin' country music, straight from one of the best of the new traditionalists. Brooks and Dunn came on strong right from the start, showing they were not to be trifled with. This is hardcore country music from a duo that went on to become one of the most solid and consistently excellent acts in country.The opening lines of the disc, the title track, says "I saw the light, I've been baptized/By the fire in your touch and the flame in your eyes/I'm born to love again I'm a brand new man." It's a catch and the listener is immediately hooked.
The powerful duo don't let go until they've landed you. With Ronnie Dunn's unbelievable soaring tenor and Kix Brooks's folksy, homey burring baritone, they compliment each other amazingly well. While most people agree that Ronnie is the superior vocalist, I personally prefer Kix's more countrified sound; my long-time favorite B&D song has been "Lost and Found," and his rough-hued "I'm No Good" recalls top-notch honky-tonk in the style of Hank Sr. But the real diamond in the setting of this already amazing album is the heartbreakingly beautiful "Neon Moon," a honky-tonk ballad to end all ballads, a wistful delight magnificently sung by Ronnie Dunn, and to my mind one of the best songs released in the early 1990's.
And then there's the kicker, that all-too-catchy tribute to the line dance (the most fearful thing to hit country music since Urban Cowboy): "Boot Scootin' Boogie." It's a hot number that's hard to sit still through, but honest, you really don't have to line dance to like it. It's good for a great two-step, as well.
No matter how you dance, Brand New Man is country for the country music lover.
