Randy Rogers Band - 'Randy Rogers Band'

Randy Rogers Band Bottom Line:

Several recent albums have been produced by Radney Foster. The main reason this one stands out is because Radney's influence hasn't taken over and made things sound like another artist/group singing the producer's material. It's obvious the guys in Randy Roger's Band have grown up with this album and it has become my favorite from them so far.

About the Band

The current configuration of the Randy Rogers Band has been together since 2003 and they've certainly worked hard in that period of time. Not only have they released a few albums, but even more impressive is the fact their touring schedule earned them a place on Rolling Stone Magazine's "Top 10 Must-See Acts" in the summer of 2007. Surely a deciding factor for the mention in the mag is from earning two and a half million dollars from touring in only one year. Not too bad for a group that still feels like Texas and Oklahoma's best-kept secret.

Randy Rogers Band - The Songs:

The man in "Wicked Ways" has all but given up hope for himself and hopes that there will be one woman who can save him. As long as she's willing to spend the time to do so.

There's a completely different tone to "Better Than I Ought To Be" as its subject is much better spirits than the previously mentioned song. The blues might come around from time to time, but he realizes that those days will pass. Just like when you don't know why the bad stuff happens to you, it's the same way with the good stuff. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself and live for the moment. The same description could also be used for "Let It Go," which is found closer to the end of the album.

A tear-stained letter is what you'll get if you don't appreciate your significant other and leave them feeling "Lonely Too Long." Nobody can be expected to stick around waiting for someone to come around when their gut is telling them it's never going to happen. Once the woman gets in the car and drives away, that's when he realizes what a fool he was to not pay attention to her. "I'd give anything if she'd turn that car around and just come back home" he says, knowing there's not a chance. If only he would have told her the things he said in "One Woman," perhaps the situation could have been different.

As the summer draws to a close and winter is on its way, "In My Arms Instead" fits in to the season. The song starts out with lyrics describing the leaves turning to rust and the air beginning to thin out. Not only because of a change in the weather, but because of how the man is feeling alone without the woman he still loves. His time is spent dreaming of the day she'll return so he can hold her close yet again and be the man he used to be. The song itself is very down-home country, while "Buy Myself A Chance" would best be played in your nearest honky-tonk bar since that's where the story takes place. Standing by the jukebox with a quarter in his hand is what he feels would be his greatest chance of dancing with a certain woman, so that's where he stays. He notices how bored she looks with her date, so he has some "liquid confidence" to help with the courage issue and then tells her where he'll be if she wants a man who knows how to move.

"This Is Goodbye" - doesn't get more clear-cut than that. There are always songs about a relationship or marriage that ended horribly, but the imagery contained in these lyrics is what is so impressive. Bitterness is nowhere to be found and reflection is the key. It's a mature song about two people who must not have been meant to remain together. The greys have turned to black and white. That's all there is to it. To me, this song cements what has been my favorite Randy Rogers Band album to date.

Release date: September 23, 2008 - Mercury Records

Randy Rogers Band Song List:

1. Wicked Ways
2. Better Than I Ought To Be
3. Lonely Too Long
4. One Woman
5. Never Be That High
6. Didn't Know You Could
7. In My Arms Instead
8. When The Circus Leaves Town
9. Buy Myself A Chance
10. Break Even
11. Let It Go
12. This Is Goodbye