Harmony Man - Billy Yates

This talented singer-songwriter snaps out of the gate with his fifth release, a sharp collection of traditional country songs, nicely recorded in the old Golden-Age style with a warm tenor voice and a whole lot of heart.

This Missouri-born songsmith has a fun way with words. Even if corporate radio has kept his voice from reaching you, you've still heard his songs. He wrote "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" and "Choices" for George Jones; and he's written songs for George Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Gary Allen, Kenny Chesney, and Sara Evans, as well as dozens of others. But when Billy decides to sing for himself, it's a grand thing to hear.

I complain about the state of country radio a lot. The first time I listened to this disc, I found myself another country singer I can't figure out. Why isn't this guy being played on the radio? He sounds as "mainstream" to me as other traditional artists such as Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, and Dierks Bentley, solid country but accessible. He certainly has the chops; he's got a great background and some terrific songs. So, once again... why? Well, I can't figure that one out. Because Yates is darned good. "Harmony Man" is a sharply produced real country disc, and as a lifelong country music fan, I just can't figure out why good country music isn't played on country radio.

But that's neither here nor there. If you like country music, then check out "Harmony Man." And while you're there, check out some of Yates' earlier work. He writes a darned good song.