Tracy Lawrence really has pretty much done everything that there can be done in Country music. The Country star has amassed eight #1 singles, 27 Top 10 hit songs, and almost 10 million records sold since he broke on to the scene almost 20 years ago. Now that he is free from the major label restraints - Lawrence decided that it was time to make the record that he (and his parents) has always wanted to make - an inspirational country music record.
The Rock, which was produced by Lawrence and Julian King, features 10 songs that feed the soul and heart of the listener - while not straying too much from the country music vagueness of inspirational country music. The Rock, for the most part, is chock full of ballads or mid-tempo songs. Songs like "Dear Lord," "Somebody Who Would Die For You," "Up to Him," and "Say a Prayer" are all tried-and-true Country ballads that show off Lawrence's nasal vocals (for Southern Gospel fans - Lawrence at times recalls Mark Bishop). Lawrence shows off his more rocking side on the album highlight "Jesus Come Save Your Children."
Lyrically, these songs are strong from start to finish. "Somebody Who Would Die For You" features the common country turnaround, while "The Rock" speaks of the power of the church in communities. "Up to Him," while not theologically the most accurate, features a country theme of "I'll work like it's all up to me, but pray like it's all up to Him." The Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin penned "I'm Done" is by far the strongest cut on the disc - featuring a blazing country accompaniment and extremely personal, vulnerable lyric that says:
"I'm done harboring grudges and nursing old wounds,
Done clinging to crutches and singing the blues,
I'm done pointing fingers at everyone else,
I'm taking a long hard look at myself,
A new day has begun, and I'm done"
It's lyrics like those that will win a fan over any day over a cheatin', drinkin', and partyin' love song that Country music is known for.
Overall, The Rock is a fantastic inspirational country record from one of Country music's most beloved names. Tracy will surely land a few more fans with the release of this timely record.
Read a recent interview with Tracy Lawrence
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 06/16/2009
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 0
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
