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"Steers and Stripes"
While If You See Her and Tight Rope,
their previous two albums, were Brooks & Dunn's strongest
and most mature, their sales didn't earn either album the usual
Gold and Platinum awards. Coincidentally, both CDs deemphasized
the usual line-dance fodder, generic rockers, and flaccid ballads.
On 2001's Steers & Stripes, the duo stays that course--to
a point. "Ain't Nothin' 'Bout You" succeeds as the
radio-friendly hit it was crafted to be but pales alongside the
masterfully sung "Every River" and the classy ballads
"The Long Goodbye" and "My Heart Is Lost to You."
Smart Tejano arrangements spice up both the latter number and
the witty "Deny, Deny, Deny." "Lucky Me, Lonely
You" explores the time-honored shuffle turf of Ray Price
and Buck Owens. Just as prominent, however, are Brooks and Dunn's
sorties into bad old habits. "Only in America" overflows
with tired clichés. The ballads "When She's Gone,
She's Gone" and "Unloved" stumble over their own
pretense. The witless dance ditties "Good Girls Go to Heaven"
and "See Jane Dance" seem dated alongside the evocative,
muscular David Lee Murphy rocker "The Last Thing I Do."
The strengths here are potent indeed. Unfortunately, so are the
weaknesses. --Rich Kienzle |
Customer review from Amazon
Reviewer: Brandon Harbeke from Gilbert,
AZ USA
Like many fans, I was somewhat disappointed
with this duo's previous album, Tight Rope. Steers and Stripes,
however, is a complete turnaround for B&D. It is their best
album to date (except maybe the Greatest Hits Collection). Tracks
10 and 11 are so-so, but the other 12 are country music at its
finest. 1, 2, 6, 8, and 14 are some of the best up-tempo numbers
I have ever listened to, and tracks 3 and 9 are power ballads
that I want to play over and over. Track 5 is a great mix of
Spanish and country that doesn't sound like any cliche. Any country
fan will enjoy this album, and it is a must-buy for B & D
fans. Also, their live show is fantastic. Check it out! |
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