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Nearly a decade ago, Garth Brooks's
ability to incorporate '70s pop material and arena rock into
his act made history (and controversy) as he propelled country
to its pinnacle of success. One fact remains in 2001. When he
simply rears back and sings (in the spirit of longtime pal Chris
LeDoux), the results are often fresh and natural. That's the
case on the Beatle-esque "Wrapped Up in You," "Thicker
Than Blood," and the trite but catchy blue-collar bopper
"Big Money." Alas, that slicker, more calculated material
is never far away. Awash in melodrama, "The Storm"
(a bathos-ridden variant on "The Thunder Rolls"), "Mr.
Midnight," and "Pushing Up Daisies" each run four-plus
minutes and seem longer. The hyperactive bluegrass romp "Don't
Cross the River" seems less homage than a nod to the successful
O Brother soundtrack. While duets with George Jones and Trisha
Yearwood have merit, one wonders who really needs who. All this
might have been cutting edge in 1992. Now it simply seems long
in the tooth. --Rich Kienzle |
Customer review from Amazon
Reviewer: A music fan from Omaha, Ne USA
Giddyap!!! After 4 long years the
Garth-man is finally back with this inspiring, foot tapping rendition
of No Fences... at least that is what this album reminded me
of. I think that Garth Brooks went back to his roots on this
one, with the duet with George Jones "beer run", to
the song with his long time love interest (eh... friend) Trisha
Yearwood "Squeeze me In" to the Dr. Pepper commercial
"Wrapped Up in You". It just proves that garth still
has what it takes to make music in this, the new millenium. There
are also my personal favorites "Mr. midnight" and the
finale on the album from the movie Frequency (soundtrack previously
released) "When you come back to me again". I am sad
to hear that he is planning another retirement. Come back Garth,
you are a hit again. |
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