Rating 4.5
Straight down rainYet another amazing album from Greg Trooper. This guy is a genius singer songwriter. My faves on the album are 'real like that' with Julie Miller on harmony vocal; 'Once and for all' a real cool song that has spent much time on repeat in my stereo!! 'Lovin' never came that easy' and 'over the moon'. All in all a great album, a well worth investment. Go on, add it to your basket....you know you want to!!Not your typical Nashville artistGreg Trooper breaks the stereotypes of Nashville songwriters. In "You Love Your Broken Heart" he sings of a lover that won't allow themself to love back. "I'd like to think the time has come/ for ancient wounds to heal/ to shake off all the ghosts that still remain/. . . /but you love your broken heart too much to change." As in his prior recordings the songs often feel confessional, showing emotional ambiguity about the situation the song's protagonist finds himself in.Produced by Phil Madeira this release has a smoother sound than Greg's previous albums, not good or bad, just different. "Doghouse" shows an edgier feel than anything he's done in the past. With the exception of "Trampoline", which was previously released on co-writer Bill Lloyd's 1994 "Set to Pop" release the compositions on this collection are newer songs showing Trooper's continued growth as a songwriter. Greg's songs always sound best when he performs them, but we can expect other artists to release cover versions as has happened in the past. His songs have thus far been covered by such country and folk artists as Steve Earle, Vince Gill, and Lucy Kaplansky. One potential cover is "Sometimes it Takes a Hurricane", a song with a catchy chorus and a timely message, much like the title track from his "Everywhere" CD. Anyone who enjoys great intelligent songwriting will appreciate this and all of Greg Trooper's CDs. He's also a great live performer, don't miss the chance to see him in your town. Americana from New York via NashvilleCall it what you want, folk country americana, it's all here. there is even a waltz, a damn fine one too. Purchased this CD from Trooper at a show, and he is even more open live than on disc. Buy this and amaze your friends, I have and do> |
