I am a little gun shy writing this review. Frankly I don't feel qualified enough to explain how Tim sounds on his newest masterpiece. I've listened to this album over and over last few days and been trying to let all his songs sink in. If you are looking for a typical uptempo sexy little hillbilly chart topping disc this is not it. It goes so much deeper than that. Every song fits here. There is nothing pop or simple, you simply need to listen and get the meaning of it all. Tim sings about real man living and loving and drinking and thinking.
First release Last Dollar might be the easiest song to digest in the whole album. It sets the comfort level to travel inside Tim's musical journey and opens the album. Tim rises the bar with I'm Workin telling a story of a workingman who never has enough time to spend with his love. He goes on letting his feelings show and and mixes little whiskey to his breath for just a right amount of spice to make it interesting. Old hit Suspicions takes Tim yet to another direction without any problems, another track that shows you that Tim is not just old fashion country boy by no means but a very multi talented artist and singer.
With Kristofferson he returns back to some country roots just to reel you away from any mediocre thoughts by sexing it up on Put Your Lovin On Me. Just when you are ready to be loved by him Tim reminds you that life is not a game so stop drinking and start living in Nothing To Die For. He follows to the darker side on brilliant track Between The River And Me. You can continue some soul searching on the cross roads listening Train #10.
It all climaxes on the yet another shivering out of this world love duet I Need You with his companion Faith Hill. There is just no words from me to describe how good it feels to listen to them still sounding like the honeymoon is going on and on.. After leaping to the the cloud 9 you get to settle in to southern comfort sounds in Comin Home. Not meaning that Tim McGraw settled into anything while recording this album!
Shotgun Rider in the end promises the fans that it is still fine to call Tim a country singer. Faith compliments on the back and it sounds oh so seventies to me that I immediately want to go and rent some good old Western movies showing cowboys riding and shooting and drinking and loving their woman!
Tim's first release. I like it. Quite different. Even the techno part fits. Basic tune and very catchy. Country? Truly not, but I'm flying away. Gotta love his girls singing in the end. Beautiful start.
I'm Workin' 3:41
This song you have sit down and truly listen. Tim sounds tad raspy and it is very sexy. Many people can relate to these lyrics. He is singing about being a father and a husband and every day life. Got that southern twang when he signs Baby I Loooove You... Every time I hear this it sounds a little better. Melody is very challenging but of course Tim pulls the vocals with flying colors.
Let It Go 3:44
I'm hoping to see a video of Tim letting it go and stand on the rain to wash it all away like sings! I'm gonna let it go, ouhouhouh yeah Cool tune, but I'm not overly impressed about this title track, sounds a bit like a jingle to me. No doubt would still make a great single release and top the charts.
Whiskey And You 3:47
Just a good story about a man comparing his woman and whiskey. He admits he drinks because he is lonesome and is lonesome because he drinks. I think I would have like this track better with less instruments behind him, they kind of travel all over Tim here.
Suspicions 5:16
Totally R&B and blues and jazz and I'm floating with this beautiful melody! He is singing about suspicions about someone trying to steel his love even though he knows she loves him. I can't help but you are just so good looking I'm afraid somebody is going to steel you away Oh Tim you don't need to worry, you are quite cute yourself!
Kristofferson 3:22
Tim is streeeeetching the vocals here. More country and lyrics are just hilarious. Band gets some credit here, everyone plays great. He makes Kristofferson proud, no doubt!
Put Your Lovin' On Me 3:33
Get me high on your touch for the night, put your lovin' on me.. How sexy is that! Keeps repeating the title here. Slow kind of blues influenced song. I'm wondering where he is falling in the end..
Nothin' To Die For 4:12
Very strong vocals. I had to listen this several times to totally grasp the message. This tells you to take a look at your life and stop playing the games and turn your life around. I like the melody, this is kind of second part to Live Like You Were Dying,
Between The River And Me 3:53
This just might be my favorite track! Sounds little like Indian Outlaw. There is some vocals not suitable for radio. More upbeat song. Band is brilliant. Tim is singing about a killer not getting caught. One of those songs you just have to hear.
Train #10 3:58
Great blues song. Excellent vocal from Tim. Just close your eyes and sit there in the train station and wait for the last train with Tim. Takes you away from this world.
I Need You 4:08
I heard this song in Oprah quite a while ago. This is SO going to be another huge hit for these two! Faith sounds oh so great and Tim plays the part of a sexy sexy guy. I get goose bumps. Some might say how many duets about making love they are going to sing but if it works as well and sounds as electric as Faith and Tim together, I don't blame them! Love it, love it, LOVE IT. Great lyrics and melody to boot.
Comin Home 4:05
What a beautiful song. Tim sounds so in his comfort zone singing this one. By now you did realise that this album is special and will not be just country but more bluesy. I don't have a problem crossing that line with Tim McGraw!
Shotgun Rider 4:21
I get all Willie Nelson feel so Tim still have plenty country left on him! Being all cowboy and having Faith doing backup. Saloon song suitable for any western movie! Fiddle is going and piano ends the tune. I'll be burning this CD on player for many many years, no doubt!
I've already read from many critics that this is the best album Tim has recorded as an artist. I must agree! I don't know how well some of these songs will fit in today's country listeners simple honkytonk easy listening style. This album might not please everyone on the country side but hopefully will get Tim again more cross over hits and fans taking his career yet to another milestone. There is so many layers and feelings and styles included that you have to truly LISTEN to let it all in. I would recommend everyone to buy the whole thing to truly appreciate it all. Just by downloading one or two songs you are not getting the whole meaning and feel and story this album can give to you if you give it a chance!
Happy Listening!
Kirsi
UPDATE 4/6/07:
Tim did it again! This album opened #1 in Billboard200 and of course was #1 in the Country Charts too! According to his website it sold excess of 330.000 copies in first week. Go Tim!
Tim McGraw has spent the last decade in the upper reaches of the entertainment world. His is a career marked by superlatives--by record-breaking tours...More at Buy.com
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