The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Happy Happy, Country Country"
- "Wherever You Are"
- "Work This Out"
Cons
- None.
Description
- Jack Ingram's debut with new label Big Machine Records.
- Featuring new single (already approaching the Top 30), "Wherever You Are."
- Includes a live version of "Never Knocked Me Down," recorded for the "CMT Outlaws 2005" special.
Guide Review - Jack Ingram - Live: Wherever You Are
Them Texas boys sure know how to entertain a music lover. Yee haw, grab your boots and head out to the honky-tonk, 'cause we got us a bone fide country singer here in Jack Ingram. Ingram was described by Waylon Jennings as "an incredible talent," and hoss, you know if Waylon said a good word about someone, he meant it.The "live" disc actually starts with Jack welcoming the listener and explaining that the opening title cut is actually a studio recording and what it's about. It's about as close to mainstream as Ingram is likely to get, a nod to today's love of love songs and power ballads, something I actually expect to hear on corporate radio (it's already getting play on CMT and GAC), especially if "big dog" Toby Keith is pushing it. I have to say for myself it's the live recordings that make this disc for me, though. I could get tired of "Wherever You Are" real quick, although it's of course better fare than your standard Lonestar/Flatts junk. Once you get to Gruene Hall and the electric feel of the live audience, coupled with Jack's rough-edged delivery, it's all uphill.
Ingram's also given me with this disc my newest favorite "anti-status-quo" song with "Happy Happy, Country Country," a rollicking tune about how country fans today don't want to be sad, they don't want to hear about bad stuff, so give 'em "happy happy, country country." It's a hoot. Ingram hosts a weekly radio show on Dallas' "99.5 The Wolf," which is also broadcast on XM Satellite channel 12.