When you hear a song by Josh Turner, you are reminded of what country music is all about. He's fresh and pure and has a baritone voice that will make your skin tingle when he hits the deep notes. He's steeped in tradition and can turn any contemporary song into one that sounds like a classic from times gone by. This album is an absolute must have for any country fan.
His Idol, Vince Gill, recently inducted Turner as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Since his first release, Turner has become one of the most popular touring acts in the music business. He has been nominated for CMA Male Vocalist of the year and is the happily married father of one year old Hampton. His star continues to shine and whatever he is doing, it is being done very well and I hope to hear much more of Turner in the years to come.
When Turner records an album, he carefully chooses his songs to not only please the listener but to offer a glimpse into his life as well. His first single release from the album is an upbeat tune about falling in love with the right girl. "Firecracker" has become his fastest rising single on the charts so far.
He also offers two duets on the album that are outstanding. Trisha Yearwood joins him for a poignant love song called "Another Try." In it they lament that if they have another chance they'll fight with everything they have to make it work. R & B artist Anthony Hamilton joins Turner for "Nowhere Fast." Hamilton wrote the song, and tailored it to fit Turner's style. I love the R & B overtones with the country twist that the song provides. Their voices blend really well and it quickly became one of my favorite songs on the album.
Turner has a reputation for being a little more serious minded about things, so it is fun to hear him sing songs like the self-penned "Trailerhood." That is another favorite of mine on the album, and his tongue in cheek description of life in the 'trailerhood' tells us that he hasn't forgotten the blue collar crowd.
"The Longer the Waiting (The Sweeter the Kiss)" stood out for me because of its strong Celtic sounds complete with prominently featured bagpipes. His cover of the George Jones hit "One Woman Man" was phenomenal. That has always been one of my favorite songs and he did an excellent job with the cover. Jones would be proud.
Track List:
- Everything is Fine
- Firecracker
- Another Try - featuring Trisha Yearwood
- So Not My Baby
- Trailerhood
- Baby, I Go Crazy
- Nowhere Fast - with Anthony Hamilton
- The Longer The Waiting (The Sweeter the Kiss)
- One Woman Man
- Soulmate
- The Way He Was Raised
- South Carolina Country
