Ray Herndon - Livin' the Dream

"Livin' The Dream" is a fine debut album from a strong vocalist and songwriter. This is the kind of album that should be coming from major record labels. While the labels choose to go after multi-platinum acts, artists like Ray Herndon make real, soul-filled music for everyday people.

Fans of early to mid 1990's country music may not recognize the name but they've certainly heard Ray Herndon's voice and songs. Ray's a founding member of vocal group McBride & The Ride while also penning songs for other artists most notably Kenny Chesney's hit single from 1996: "Me And You." After the last effort by McBride & The Ride failed to take off at retail and radio, Ray decided to follow his dream and record a solo album.

The aptly titled "Livin' The Dream" is the name of that album and what a fine debut it is. Leading off the CD is the contemporary country radio ready song "Gotta Get Your Heart Right." It tells a simple message that says we should follow our heart, wherever it leads us. "A Grain Of Salt" is a Waylon-esque ballad that is a duet with Clint Black. "My Dog Thinks I'm Elvis" is a funny take on romance while the great Kris Kristofferson ballad "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)" is given special treatment here in the form of a duet with Jessi Colter. "Me And You" is the song which Ray's most known for outside of his band's hits so it'd neat to have it appear as the final track on the CD. Sonya Isaacs lends her angelic voice to the song to take it to a level that Chesney's fine version didn't even reach.

Ray Herndon has crafted, with long time friend and producer Matt Rollings, a stellar debut album that is packed with a wide variety of strong country songs.