Being that I was left completely dissatisfied and unfulfilled by my last review of this album, I decided to rewrite it. Skin me alive if you must, but I felt I could do far better than that lackluster review. Not to mention, I'm irked. Why? Well, what usually irks me? Pathetic music critics, of course; ones who would be ridiculous enough to compare a contemporary country artist to a classic country artist (Johnny Cash). And when Cindy's not happy she generally writes more convincing reviews with much more conviction. Besides, Josh deserves better. ;)
So let's get a few things out of the way
Gracin became a country fan in 1991 by way of Garth Brooks' Friends in Low Places. When he was barely 16, he recorded a demo (on which he sounded like a man twice his age) in Nashville. After high school Josh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and three years later the now father and husband auditioned for the second season of a talent reality show on Fox. Perhaps you've heard of it? American Idol. Bringing a genre to the show that hadn't previously been covered, Josh Gracin became Idol's token "country singer." Luckily, Rascal Flatts (who Gracin just so happens to be a fan of) apparently catch American Idol every Tuesday night like the rest of America and caught a glimpse of Gracin singing their song I'm Movin' On. An impressed Jay DeMarcus made some calls and before you know it, a major producer in country music (Marty Williams, also RF's producer) is in contact with Josh. Now wasn't that nice of Jay?
Putting some songs together, Josh and his newly made contacts began shopping the country labels. Some were impressed, others were caught up in the stigma that follows a past American Idol contestant. Fans were left with little surprise when Gracin became official labelmates with Rascal Flatts, signing to Lyric Street Records.
But wait! Isn't he a Marine?! Indeed, he is. For months Josh juggled his job as supply cerk in Camp Pendleton and his family with recording an album, working on his music in his off time. He'll be honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal with four years under his belt in September, after which he will begin touring to support his album. I wonder what it must be like to have a regular day-to-day job with an album and single on the charts?
And then there's little old Cindy. Where does she play into all of this? Well, consider me biased. I don't really care. Ever see his official site? I used to run that and as a result became acquainted with the man himself and have been communicating with him on somewhat of a regular basis (when time permits) over the course of the past year. So when I say I'm biased, I mean it sincerely. Nothing wrong with that though, as I am still a fan.
So Cindy, now that you've written a novel, discuss the music
Josh and his team knew what they were doing when they chose tracks by some of today's top country music songwriters, most notably Brett James who has written hits for superb artists like Martina McBride. In fact, the first single (and consequently the first track on the album), I Want To Live, was co-written by James. With a "feel good" intro that makes my ears perk up in delight when the song is on the radio, sing-along-with-gusto lyrics and runs that allow Josh's voice to soar, it's easy to see why I Want To Live was chosen as his debut single. Good thing, too. The track is enjoying a spot in the top 15 on country radio charts.
Rolling right along with Brett James behind the steering wheel comes the song Wheels (pun intended). Never missing the chance to show off his voice, Josh once again soars during the chorus, but during the verses is also nicely subdued against an infectious but slower beat.
Taking an influence from Garth Brooks is the type of song I like to refer to as country rap. Nothin' To Lose is a lyrically fast paced song a la Ain't Goin' Down (Till The Sun Comes Up), but with clear differences. Nothin' To Lose is driven by a positively enjoyable violin that dominates the song. I honestly visualize a video for this song in which a violinist is quite prominent and sassy. Some have made a big deal over the fact that this song was written and originally recorded by Marcel Chagnon. If I'm being blunt, I could care less. I'm sure Marcel is a great guy and all, but let's not beat this topic into the ground. It's a Josh Gracin song as far as I'm concerned, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it as a single at some point.
Brass Bed is a stunning borderline-ballad (it's not too slow, but not fast either) co-written by Brett James and Jedd Hughes, another country artist. The song contains some of the best orchestration on the album, but doesn't outdo the absolutely outstanding vocals on the track. This is easily one of the best on the album. Yet another track co-written by Brett James is Peace of Mind, pleasantly driven by a soothing harmonica.
I love Endless Helpless Hoping. The lyrics, the instrumentation and orchestration, and naturally Josh's vocals. The catchy melody and beat almost disguise the theme of the song, while at the same time making perfect sense. An initial listen may or may not reveal the quality of the lyrics, but take a second listen and you'll love what songwriters Kelly Garrett and Michael Kosser have done with this song. Now I know how a widow starin' at the sea feels/Waitin' for a ship to come home/And waitin't there all alone/My lonely nights turn to days/My lonely days turn to how my life is goin'/Endless helpless hopin'/I can dream but I can't believe/That you're the only one who can heal this heart that's broken.
Considered somewhat of a power ballad on the album is No One To Share The Blame, which carries on in the same vein as The Long One with Josh's soaring vocals and lengthy runs. Both are classy and even beautiful in their own right by way of excellent production and orchestration, and more importantly, his voice. Both songs deal with the end of a relationship and Josh does a great job of displaying emotion and power in his voice. On one hand, Blame holds the essense of a man who did the ultimate wrong of cheating and knowing that he is the only one at fault when his wife/girlfriend leaves him. The Long One sees Josh playing the role of a man who has seen his significant other leave more than once, and is dealing with the long night ahead of him.
Bringing things back up to speed is the fun and catchy I Would Look Good With You, the instrumentation taking on a bit more twang than on the rest of the album, which works for this song. The cute lyrics are fun and you easily find yourself singing along as Josh adds personality to the track. But Turn it Up is undoubtedly the best upbeat tune this disc has to offer. Definitely another Garth-influenced song, it would have been perfect if he could have performed this while he was on American Idol (Country Rock night). Turn it up, turn it up/There ain't no such thing as loud enough/Let it rock, I'm ready to roll/Let's go crazy/Turn it up.
If the phrase "saving the best for last" ever applied to the last track on an album, it certainly does here. The Other Little Soldier is powerful beyond belief. It leaves tears stinging the corners of your eyes by the time you've reached its enthralling bridge, setting Josh's lovely voice against near silence with tear jerking lyrics. It was the first time he had ever seen a flag from up that close/And he watched them as they folded it so careful and so slow/As they gave it to his mother/He knew what he should do/He raised his little hand/And gave his dad one last salute.
Being a Marine brat myself (my father was in Desert Storm when I was four) only enhances the experience of listening to this song; it's a song anyone related to the military can appreciate. Despite the fact that country radio has been practically saturated with military/war related songs, I think it's safe to assume the country audience would be able to see why Josh is different than the others. Only a Marine could fathom what a military family must exprience in times of war. And that, my friends, is why his label would be stupid not to release this as a single.
The CD booklet and liner notes
It's a good thing they included the lyrics to all the songs in the album's booklet, I don't think anyone would have ever gotten Nothin' To Lose right if they hadn't. The pictures they included are nice and Josh's thank yous are sweet but to the point. And I like seeing the URL "joshgracin.com" on the back of the CD case and album cover! It may sound silly, but I just feel a sense of pride in that.
Conclusion & Final Recommendation
Look, it's likely that anyone who watched him on Idol has preconceived notions about his voice, performing ability or his talent. But as someone who genuinely enjoys this album and is very fortunate to know this great person, please check your chagrin for his Idol days/country music/past Idol contestants at the door and listen to what Josh Gracin has to offer.
He's turned complete non-believers into absolute believers and gained fans where they were formerly bashers. I have no doubt that those who take the time to listen to this album will enjoy it and be completely impressed by it.
It is very rare to find an album that has no skippable tracks, but I'm glad to say this is one of those albums. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
And for the heck of it, check out these links while you're at it. ;)
Josh Gracin's Official Site
http://www.joshgracin.com
Gracin Fans (my site)
http://www.gracinfans.com
CMT.com Listening Party (listen before your purchase)
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/id_1245308/371561/album.jhtml
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