Lee Roy Parnell – Back To The Well

Lee Roy Parnell is a musician’s musician with a voice that’s equally impressive. “Back To The Well” It’s a fine album full of plenty of potential hit songs. Nobody does country/blues/rock any better.

In the boom time that was the 1990s, Lee Roy Parnell had a distinct slide-guitar based sound that was evident on hits like “On The Road” and “A Little Bit Of You.” That’s not to say the man with a soulful voice was a one trick pony for he wasn’t. Like any good country artist, Lee Roy was able to deliver a ballad, for example “Holding My Own,” with almost effortless ability.

Back in the “big leagues” after an 8 year absence, Lee Roy’s return to major label status is a welcomed one. Leading off his return is the title track “Back To The Well.” It’s a swampy blues-rock affair that would add plenty of color to country radio if it were released as a single. The touching “Daddies And Daughters” is co-written with Tony Arata (Who wrote “Holding My Own”) and it’s a song only a parent could write. The Roadhouse sounds of “You Can’t Lose Them All” will get your toes ‘a tappin’ while another pair of Arata co-writes, “Old Soul” and “Break The Chain” are a look at how life can make us strong, despite the long odds.

With 13 strong tracks, Lee Roy Parnell’s “Back To The Well” is a quality and much welcomed return to the country music fold. If radio will play a couple of these songs then Lee Roy’s should be around for many more years to come. If you like your country mixed with a little rock and a dash of the blues, give this disc a spin. It’s well worth your time.