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"More..."
While the term sound-alike
easily applies to quite a few singers, Trace Adkins's husky,
thoroughly honest baritone is among country's most distinctive
and compelling voices. The opening title song of More... sets
an optimistic tone that continues with "I'm Gonna Love You
Anyway" and "Can I Want Your Love." Contrasting
with the jocular Western swing of "All Hat, No Cattle,"
which pairs Adkins with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, is
the eloquent, authoritative blue-collar homage "Working
Man's Wage," free of the posturing that often undermines
similar songs. True, George Jones could work wonders with "The
Night He Can't Remember," yet Adkins, a cowriter, more than
does it justice. Not that he sidesteps sorrow. The bittersweet
"She's Still There" and the painful "Don't Lie"
face it head-on. "Every Other Friday at Five" takes
an uplifting look at the responsible side of divorced fatherhood.
His ability to navigate the decidedly dicey waters of Nashville
while maintaining a rock-ribbed traditional perspective reflects
talent for the long haul. --Rich Kienzle |
