Country Music Reviews letter B

AMERICAN CULTURE SCOPE

today: tuesday 12. 22. 2010

Country Reviews Letter B

Artist: Bomshel

Album: Fight Like a Girl

Release Date: 2009

Review:

This album is one of the surprises that I have been lucky to listen. Having seen them live during their coming in Interlaken in Switzerland, they will give you chills and .. how to say it. When you see these two beautiful blondes for the first time, these young ladies relatively easily capture all male attention in the room. I can assure you, for once I confess, it makes you wonder if they can sing. And the answer will still annoy more than one person, if the duo is very much country pop oriented, their voices is a slap in the face. Their voices are powerful and strong, Kelley Shepard remind me of Carrie Underwood, I told you. They surprise us with their Just Fine and Arizona. It's frustrating, close your eyes and you can almost hear Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. To really understand the full potential of the duo, just listen to Fiddle, 19 and Crazy and Fight Like a Girl. These three tracks are excellent, strong and powerful melodies where their voices are great. Very good, very country pop, to listen in loop. Karma Is a Female Dog reminds me a bit the rock side of Miranda Lambert at its beginning. This allows to vary the rhythm. Okay this is so New Country but it goes remarkably well, a good balance. Bomshel still offers us a Love Me for Me where their vocal harmonies are very good, a Thank You that might be sung by Carrie Underwood, a Just a Girl that will make you dance. Kelley Shepard and Kristy Osmunson really bluffed me and gave me the desire to want more.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Zac Brown Band

Album: You Get What You Give

Release Date: 21 September 2010

Review:

They never cease to amaze me, after a first album and DVD, 2 other independent albums that we found, we could believe that they need to rest, well no. They know we were expecting them, and I must say it’s very difficult to have such an album, better than the previous ones. A true gem right from the beginning. The vocal harmony are gorgeous, the voice of Zac makes all the difference and landed every time in the right way. Musically, they can do everything. Amazing, if we didn’t know their attitude outside the business, we might have believed them arrogant, well not at all. Their music shines with simplicity and a life of joy that is contagious. You will dance on this album, it's an obligation. Since Let It Go, then maybe thanks to the Crossroads they did with Jimmy Buffet who gave them the idea, there is a duet in Knee Deep who is beautiful. In short they impress us. The best song for me remains No Hurry where the vocal harmonies moved me. Not to mention another very good duet, this one with Alan Jackson in As She's Walking Away. An album that you just can’t miss, because it’s their best album to date. A treat !.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Wade Bowen

Album: Live at Billy Bob's Texas

Release Date: 27 April 2010

Review:

This Texas native always gives us very personal projects. After 4 great albums, he is back releasing this opus that will surprise many. An album and a live DVD at Billy Bob. The place is well chosen, and a double CD combined with a DVD, wow it leaves me speechless. This live capture all the intensity, the emotion that emerges from his music. In addition it offers two new compositions. Twenty songs and over an hour and a half of happiness, what more can you ask for? Ok you have to like his style, but Texas music fans will be in heaven. We find beautiful versions of its Get Away, Daddy and the Devil, Nobody's Fool. And softer compositions as If We Ever Make It Home, Turn on the Lights, Please Come to Boston. When the CD is over, we look at the DVD, and we understand that this artist is authentic, and it's so rare, I am not saying some are not, but you must listened to his music to understand. Fans will appreciate and others will have a great opportunity to discover a very good artist.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Wade Bowen

Album: If We Ever Make It Home

Release Date: 06 July 2010

Review:

What makes the strength of his music is its intensity, honesty. Certainly the sound has changed since its inception, but even changing the situation, he hit the target. He is a talented composer, so when combined with other songwriter like Randy Foster, Matt Powell, the result can’t be bad. We have a powerful sound that we love so much in You Had Me At My Best, Turn On The Lights, Ghost In This Town. He even offers a sublime ballad If We Ever Make It Home. But this album is an opportunity for him to show us some sensitivity we didn’t know he had. It’s a new facet that explodes and takes us by surprise with the beautiful Trouble, Nobody's Fool, Into The Arms Of You, Missing You. This is again a faultless performance for an artist who continues to impress me. He has great songwriting skills, its interpretations are unique. He moved you. Texas has many talented singers, here is one not to be missed.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Wade Bowen

Album: Blue Light Live

Release Date: 24 October 2006

Review:

After two very good previous album, this artist begins to fill our expectations releasing a live CD. So if you like the atmosphere of these compositions, imagine what happens live, because he took the first two albums hits and gives us two more new songs. His power is increased by ten times, it's amazing. We would have loved to be present during thee recording. Between new compositions Starting Right Now, Mystery Of A Woman who are splendid and the magnificent Get Away, Keep Hangin 'On, we have heard it all. Well don’t be fooled, he offers two very successful duos: Walkin 'Shoes with Brandon Rhyder and Doug's Song with Seth James. This artist composes and sings music that comes from the heart, his melodies are unforgettable, he offers us an excellent live album. This is so good that we want more.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Wade Bowen

Album: Lost Hotel

Release Date: 21 February 2006

Review:

He needed to tour during 6 years and 4 more years to think now is finally a good time to release an album. Busy he was. When we know his talent as a composer, he has co-written with Pat Green, Don't Break My Heart Again and made the first part of Randy Rogers Band tour, we are impressed. This new album presents a different sound than his previous Try Not To Listen. There are much more ballads, but musically it’s a wonder. The compositions are beautiful, but how does he do?. Its lyrics are catchy, I like the beat of his music. Still a success. Between the beautiful ballad One Step Closer, the very good Walkin 'Along The Fenceline and the excellent Resurrection, it’s hard to know which way to look. We have a sound from its beginning with Lay It All On You. This is a real performance. It ends with a splendid Crazy Enough, showing a new artist side. We love and we just hope we won’t have to wait four more years for a new CD, but quality takes time.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Wade Bowen

Album: Try Not To Listen

Release Date: 14 May 2002

Review:

From the start the tone is set with the excellent In My Soul, it will be red dirt country. The country from Texas, it's like in one of those bars, it reminds me a lot of memories. If you like Randy Rogers Band or Cross Canadian Ragweed, you'll love him. We are in heavens during the entire album. Electric guitars give you the chills, the vocal harmonies are successful. We love the superb Walking Shoes, Please Come To Boston Man Out Of Myself, Keep Hangin 'On. The ambiance is incredible. Musically it's great, the lyrics are wonderful. I really had a big crush. If you like Texas, its music, its unique world, then no doubt you'll love this CD. Don’t miss it.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Michelle Branch

Album: Everything Comes and Goes

Release Date: 16 July 2010

Review:

This is the first opus of Michelle Branch since the separation of The Wreckers. This EP consists of 6 songs that propels our singer in a new country style. At the beginning, it should be composed of 13 tracks including a duet with Dwight Yoakam, but after a reversal of her label, it’s an EP. We start with a powerful Ready to Let You Go, we come across the beautiful Sooner or Later, then a more pop I Want Tears. The latter two make me think about a more mature version of Taylor Swift. The artist writes or co-write five of the six compositions, which is not surprising when you know her talent as a songwriter. But she surprises us with the beautiful Crazy Ride. This gentle way allows to perfectly highlights her voice, the vocal harmonies are beautiful. Summertime is a fairly successful ballad. The album is set to be soothing, giving us the desire for more. So we love and we are happy to found once again a singer like Michelle Branch.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Adam Brand

Album: It's Gonna Be OK

Release Date: 20 August 2010

Review:

Adam Brand is one of the most famous Australian Country music singer. This new album marks a turning point in his musical career. His new wife Jade Hatcher changed him. He had a tendency to sing about women and whiskey, offers us an overwhelming passion for love and life. We also have his wife in a lot of vocal harmonies on the album. From the beginning we find a powerful style with It's Gonna Be OK, then after it’s a succession of gentle ballads that keep coming. Such as on the very good Kiss You Back and Dance with Me. The album is calm, soft. We have a bit of power with I Surrender, then we fall on the very romantic The Reason I Come Home, which will moved more than one woman. Greatest Love Song gives us a powerful and romantic sound that fits perfectly his new style. A very successful album and someone we would like to see in France. In short you'll understand if you want to explore country music made in Australia, it's a good start.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: 1s & Then Some

Release Date: 08 September 2009

Review:

After the announcement of the separation of the group, the fifth Brooks & Dunn Best Of is a bit special. It includes two CD of 15 tracks each containing all of their career. In addition each disc has a new song: Honky Tonk Stomp and Indian Summer. No need to comment the other songs. This legendary band offers one last perfect album. It’s a must-have for all they fans, well no for every country fans. It remains to hope that we can still see them in concert or maybe a reunification is not excluded. I have a crush for its 30 songs that will make you dance, sing, in short the best of country music. The only good news comes from the announcement of their solo career, which suggests two new artists. But hey, why not mix a career as a duo and then as a solo? I know, I just try to not think about their separation that has marked the business. That's the least we can say.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Kyle Benne

Album: Grey Sunrise

Release Date: 21 April 2009

Review:

This album gave me the opportunity to discover this red dirt music band, southern rock. I must say that I was impressed by the quality of the compositions, vocal harmonies. There is a romantic side that is pretty cool. All is going pretty well and gives a very good quality. This Texan group offers very good melodies, like Time to Switch to Whiskey, Should've Listened, Grey Sunrise. Sometimes reviewing an album offers pleasant surprises, this was precisely the case. Voices stick perfectly to Southern rock style, the whole is quite good, and reminds me a bit of Randy Rogers Band or Kyle Park. In short, I highly recommend this Kyle Bennett, and no doubt we have not finished to hear about it. A very good album of red dirt music. Notice to fans of this music style, don’t miss it !.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Jimmy Buffett

Album: License To Chill

Release Date: 13 July 2004

Review:

After a rather promising duet with Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffet is back with an album filled with country music duo from the islands. So if this can be frustrating for some, it must be said that the whole is a bit repetitive, this is the only complaint I could make about the album. This album will make you forget your day-today life. It's simple, we seems to end up on the sandy beaches, on a deserted island drinking a margarita. All of this with Jimmy Buffett and his friends because we must admit that there are a lot of guests, duets on this CD. Between the good Hey Good Lookin 'with Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait; right from the start, we are stuck. After we add Boats to Build with Alan Jackson, the excellent License to Chill with Kenny Chesney, not to mention the excellent Trip Around the Sun with Martina McBride. I think we are in heaven, only great people. But it’s wrong to believe that Jimmy can only sings duets because he gaves us two very good compositions with Simply Complicated and Window on the World. A music that will make you go on vacation early, what more can you ask for?.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Jimmy Buffett

Album: Don't Stop The Carnival

Release Date: 28 April 1998

Review:

The album refers to a book of 1965 that has inspired Jimmy to create his Don't Stop The Carnival. If it was a good idea, the atmosphere of the islands is really successful, the whole is really too repetitive for my tastes. And yes 20 titles on the same style without even trying a little variation, a mixture of rhythm or style, this is a bit heavy. Even the small jazz side does nothing, we get tired quickly. So if you're a fan of the artist, you might be more interested in the concept, which certainly remains a good idea. The good thing is that all the songs were composed by Jimmy and several artists sing with him or even without him. The question is whether you go or not to this carnival? For my part I went once and it's not bad.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Jimmy Buffett

Album: Christmas Island

Release Date: 08 October 1996

Review:

In the Christmas albums’ family, I ask for Jimmy Buffet’s one. In his unique style, Jimmy interprets christmas classic songs and two new tracks. So if you're a fan of the singer, this album will please you. If this isn’t the case, I would advise you to pass by and go on. If I think you really have to appreciated this kind of music, a country music from the islands, because of course he sings with his own style. Only Run Run Rudolph and its rock side surprised me on this CD. Songs are fine, but it’s not the best Christmas album I was given to listen. You will still enjoy listening to songs like Jingle Bells, Happy Xmas (War Is Over), Mele Kalikimaka, Ho Ho Ho & A Bottle Of Rum. Be ready to spend Christmas in the Tropics with Jimmy Buffet.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Jimmy Buffett

Album: Songs You Know By Heart

Release Date: 1985

Review:

This opus is the first compilation of Jimmy Buffet, released in 1985, it resumed his music from 1973 to 1979. It’s always interesting to look back on the beginnings of an artist, and when it’s Jimmy Buffet, it’s very interesting. We immediately start to think of coconut palms, vacations, real vacations. The songs are pleasant to listen, and as always Jimmy style is there. Thanks to tracks like Fins or Margaritaville, we begins to dream of ending up in Florida, or in a place where it’s good to live. On a beach sipping cocktail while listening to country. It's what you ‘ll do with this album. So yes the whole thing is a bet repetitive, but it’s simply the particular artist style, we like it or not. If you like Kenny Chesney, no doubt you'll love even if the whole is less rhythmic.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Hillbilly Deluxe

Release Date: 30 August 2005

Review:

It was hard to do better than their previous two albums, but it’s still with a little disappointment that I listen to this album. We don’t find too many variations in the compositions even if the band offers a good level of country. Between Play Something Country and My Heart's Not a Hotel with Kix Brooks, it’s a strong start. I particularly loved their Building Bridges with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Nothing but the best. But the other songs are good, just good. It’s far from Red Dirt Road or Steers & Stripes. So we love this opus, but we know it could have been much better. But what could we do, that is how things are. But be careful, given their talent, the melodies are all successful. We just note a small decline. It’s only a matter of time.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Greatest Hits Collection II

Release Date: 19 October 2004

Review:

Here is the second compilation containing the latest Brooks & Dunn albums. Discover the best hits from their 1998 If You See Her to 2003, Red Dirt Road. It’s with pleasure that without surprise we find tracks like How Long Gone, My Heart Is Lost to You, Red Dirt Road, You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl, Only in America. But that's not all because such a group couldn’t just give us a simple compilation. They do it once again like in their first best of by adding three new compositions. That's What It's All About, It's Getting Better All the Time and Independent Trucker are very successful. Don’t miss it, if you want to discover Brooks & Dunn, here is the opportunity.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Red Dirt Road

Release Date: 15 July 2003

Review:

I was worried about listening to this CD, after the excellent Steers & Stripes, they could hardly do better. Then I put the album on my stereo, and then listen. You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl, Caroline, When We Were Kings and its shananana, That's What She Gets for Lovin 'Me with its perfect vocal harmonies, Red Dirt Road, Feels Good Don't It and its powerful sound. Wait all that in one shot ?. Should I make you a picture? They did it. This album is in the same line as the previous. It makes you wonder how Brooks & Dunn could maintain such quality music on two albums in a row. I am not talking about a very good album, but the kind you take with you to the beach in your MP3 player, to take with you anywhere. Musically and vocally I'm impressed. This is a real lesson of country music. Another crush, I'm gonna have a heart attack if they don’t stop, seriously.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Steers & Stripes

Release Date: 17 April 2001

Review:

What can I say about this album? Humm, I was rarely impressed like that. I believe though it’s my favorite CD of the band. From the start we are stuck with Only in America, and the hits keep coming. Between Go West with Kix Brooks and the very good My Heart Is Lost to You with a Latino sound and Good Girls Go to Heaven, we think we have heard everything, yet we're only half the album. Then goes the powerful Ain't Nothing 'bout You, the original Deny, Deny, Deny again with Kix. Lucky Me, Lonely You, Every River eventually fire the fatal shot !. Well you'll understand that this album is displayed as a masterpiece into their discography. A huge crush.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Tight Rope

Release Date: 21 September 1999

Review:

For once I happened to be really disappointed by on of their album. With this CD, I can’t find the powerful sound that had made them successful. Worse, I even find myself wanting to do something else while listening. Brooks & Dunn are in the mood music? No but except Missing You and two Kix Brooks tracks with Can't Stop My Heart and Don't Look Back Now, we expected more from them. For once Kix sang on the opus. Let us not despair, we’re waiting for the next.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: If You See Her

Release Date: 02 June 1998

Review:

Here a little story about this album, Reba McEntire named her last release, If you See Him, and the band offers us a great duet with her, named If You See Him / If You See Her. Nice done. If I feel a small decline from their previous CD, we enjoy some songs after only one listening. Compositions like How Long Gone very rock from the start, then Brand New Whiskey worked with nice lyrics and perhaps will give ideas to some people, and the excellent Born and Raised in Black and White. Other tunes are fun to listen, but we would like to have more, because we know very well what they are capable of. It’s not that we are disappointed, we love the album but we aren’t transcended.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Greatest Hits I

Release Date: 16 September 1997

Review:

Wow it’s their first compilation, so if you want to discover the first part of their great career, you know what you have to do. But in addition there are three new compositions. Two of the three new songs: Honky Tonk Truth and He's Got You are very successful. We have a strong start with the excellent My Maria, then we find without surprise: Boot Scootin' Boogie, Hard Workin' Man, Rock My World (Little Country Girl), She's Not the Cheatin' Kin or Brand New Man. It must be said that there are 19 tracks on this opus, so obviously we feel happy. I speak from experience. A first best-of who’ll allow you to discover or rediscover this so much talented band.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Borderline

Release Date: 16 April 1996

Review:

What I liked in this fourth album, is the important presence of Kix Brooks with vocal harmonies and especially as the main vocalist on many titles. It's pretty rare when you hear his voice, one wonders why not exploit it more. Of course I don’t mean that as a bad thing for Ronnie Dunn. Instead he delights us with the succulent My Maria. Brooks gives us the very good Why Would I Say Goodbye, My Love Will Follow You. The latter being a Buddy Miller cover. So if I notice a small drop in intensity, this remains a very good album. Especially for My Maria, you can’t stop to listen it in loop.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Waitin on Sundown

Release Date: 27 September 1994

Review:

Third opus for one of my favorite country band. It's surprising to come back to their debut. I notice a net decline from their two previous albums, not just with rhythms but also in quality. And yes, unfortunately. But as we talk about Brooks & Dunn, it’s still a good country album. Yet everything started very strong with the so rock Little Miss Honky Tonk, followed by a very good She's Not the Cheatin ‘Kind, then Silver and Gold of Kix Brooks. He’ll be back on She's the Kind of Trouble towards the end of the album. It's always a pleasure to hear him on both slow rhythms and rocks. This is one of the positive points of the album. Apart from these compositions, the rest is good like Whiskey Under the Bridge, but just good. We would have liked a bit more, especially after listening to their previous album. However, if you want to discover Kix Brooks as the main singer, this album is for you.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Hard Workin' Man

Release Date: 23 February 1993

Review:

This sequel is definitely very country rock and see Scott Hendricks as producer, humm a good thing. Knowing that he has produced artists such as Faith Hill, Trace Adkins or John Michael Montgomery, we think it’s gonna be a very nice job. Of course there is always Don Cook as co-producer, the starting team remained intact. The tone is set from the start with the very catchy Hard Workin 'Man and We'll Burn That Bridge. The set is very Rock and roll like Rock My World (Little Country Girl). It reminded me of their second part of their career, if I may say with compositions like Texas Women (Don't Stay Lonely Long) or Our Time Is Coming. They offers us an album that goes a mile a minute, but happiness, with little break sometimes. But we would have loved to see more their sensitivity and romance.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Brooks & Dunn

Album: Brand New Man

Release Date: 13 August 1991

Review:

It was with surprise that I came across this opus because it’s their first album. Humm I'm quite intrigued, what is it gonna be? Well for a start, this is one of their best albums. Although I’ve known them forever, or at least since I've been interested in country, I never really had the opportunity to listen to the first part of their career, now it's done. You can find from the beginning, the very catchy Brand New Man who shows us what we can expect: A very high level of quality. Then there are the good Neon Moon and Boot Scootin 'Boogie. All tracks are written by the band or its producer Don Cook, that's really impressive. We end up on a perfect sweet note with Kix Brooks and his Still in Love with You.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Dale Ann Bradley

Album: Don't Turn Your Back

Release Date: 19 May 2009

Review:

I was impressed with her previous Catch Tomorrow, the singer offers a bluegrass with a strong religious character, and this album won’t be an exception. We have a very good Rusty Old Halo and a superb Anybody Else's Heart. Dale Ann delivers a music coming from her heart, close your eyes and you will discover America, these landscapes. A second album and a new journey just as attractive as its predecessor. Her voice is captivating and the vocal harmonies are quite successful like in He's The Last Thing On My Mind. Musically we wonder why we don’t get more of this bluegrass quality albums. Music City Queen's words are a beauty, allowing us to finish the album on a strong impression. A faultless for a singer who continues to impress us to the point that we want more.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist : Zac Brown Band

Album: Live from the Rock Bus Tour

Release Date: 16 December 2005

Review:

Even on an independent label, Zac Brown and his band amazes me. Their talent is immense, the result will be faultless. In addition when we know the difficulty of obtaining this album now, I feel really lucky. Independent or not, it changes nothing. Except that if we could get them in France… To consume regularly. All compositions are very good, there is no waste. We really like being with them on stage. Hats off gentlemen !. I especially liked the live version of Leaves From, Toes, Mary and especially On This Train.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Zac Brown Band

Album: Home Grown

Release Date: 16 December 2005

Review:

Unnoticed album at its release, it features some of the songs that will make the success of their next album. Thus we have already hits like Chicken Fried and Mary. This opus doesn’t lack charm with compositions each successful than the last, between Toes where we are on the beach with a beer with Jimmy Buffet, On This Train, Better Day and Junkyard; we enjoy. And yes this opus is not only for the fans but all good country music fans. If you manage to obtain this CD, Don’t hesitate. My favorite songs remains Highway 20 Ride. The quality is there so thank you Zac.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Crystal Bowersox

Album: Farmer's Daughter

Release Date: 14 December 2010

Review:

The least one can say is that this young singer fom the ninth American Idol season will make its presence felt. She is the opposite of Carry Underwood, her style is a country folk rock. We like some songs such as Ridin 'with the Radio, Lonely Won't Come Around and Hold On. Her cover of Buffalo Springfield on For What It's Worth is nice without being really successful. Her voice is pretty, but the album lack of chemistry between the compositions. A lack of maturity. We hope to see a second album but in any case, it’s very far from other American Idol Contestants, and yet I am not a fan of TV reality shows.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: Spend My Time

Release Date: 02 March 2004

Review:

After leaving RCA Records, and created his own label, Equity Music Group, the artist release an album. How is the new Clint Clark ?. Compared to its previous CD, there is a decline, the album offers good melodies but we still feel a decreased. When we take the full measure of his talent, either vocally, musically or at the composition, one wonders why we don’t hear more about him. Alas we won’t talk about him with such an album. So if I liked this album, it has good melodies like A Mind To, we are disappointed. Everything looks the same and there is something missing. But musically, it’s quite rich. We are far from his best. Then let’s just waits for his next album.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: D'Lectrified

Release Date: 28 September 1999

Review:

For a surprise this is a very good one. Here's an album entirely acoustic, without electric instruments. This is where we become aware of the talent and the potential of Clint Black. I think except with his first album, he rarely has been so successful. He blends genres, the opus is incredibly rich. Clint plays perfectly guitar and harmonica, and offers a large number of great duets. As with Waylon Jennings on Are You Sure Waylon Done It This Way, Eric Idle on Galaxy Song and his intro equally successful. The latter song show us some lyrics and music quite so unusual for the artist, but it’s good, and the end is fun. We find good melodies with Hand in the Fire and When I Said I Do duet with his wife Lisa Hartman Black. But the duo continue to sing on: Been There with Steve Wariner will make you tap your foot, Dixie Lullaby with Bruce Hornsby is quite jazzy. He is back in a solo with the very good Burn One Down. A multitude of style for a pretty original concept where Clint Black’s voice makes all the difference, and in acoustic. Such talent and what a pity we can’t hear him so often that way. Don’t miss it.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: Nothin' But the Taillights

Release Date: 29 July 1997

Review:

This album brings together an incredible number of great names. If I am still a little disappointed compared to its previous CD, this album is very good. Between a very strong debut with Nothin 'but the Taillights and That Something In My Life, the artist offers two beautiful duets. The first with Alison Krauss and Union Station in Our Kind of Love. It’s very successful. Then we find Martina McBride on a composition with Black, Matraca Berg and Marty Stuart, Still Holding On. At this point we feel a little decline but then he started really strong. At the end we have a powerful sound with What I Feel Inside and a huge Ode To Chet sang with none other than Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Larry Carlton, Dann Huff and Mark Knopfler. That’s a lot of great people. The only big downside is that the majority of the compositions we love are duets, which can be a good thing but I don’t think it helps the album itself.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: One Emotion

Release Date: 04 October 1994

Review:

The album presents a new Clint Black. A lot of melodies are pretty mediocre, but not bad, it deviates a bit of style to take us nowhere. Apart Merle Haggard participation in Untanglin 'My Mind, or one with the soul singer Michael McDonald in You Made Me Feel, the rest is pretty flat. Although I enjoyed Life Gets Away, it doesn’t save the CD. We almost have his usual on Alone You Walked By, that’s very little. All is not bad, just good, except we expected more of him. So it's a disappointment, but when you see his discography, this is only a postponement. We just have to wait until the next one.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: No Time to Kill

Release Date: 13 July 1993

Review:

This album presents a good come back of the singer. If I wasn’t hooked with all songs, his voice is still there. We must admit that if there is an artist that we recognize immediately, it's Clint Black. With songs like A Good Run of Bad Luck, State of Mind, he won’t make us lie. After I find a lot of interesting melodies but no more. It was a mix between very good and nice, we would have liked more continuity. But we just see his talent on harmonica, his great writing skills on the good duet with Wynonna. We also like the very good Back To Back and I'll Take Texas. An artist who has multiple facets, it's so rare that we can only recommend it.

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By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: The Hard Way

Release Date: 14 July 1992

Review:

The strength of this artist lies in his voice. Sublime, plus he wrote or co-wrote most of these compositions, that's good. So if the album aged a bit, most of the songs are quite slow, I would recommend this CD more as a love song album made with a country touch. The melodies are quite successful and his voice does the rest. A great singer and a good album. It’s true that everything feels the same and this is the major complaint of the CD. But if we are stuck with the tone of his voice, we can forgive him. We love the guitar solos that are very present and that adds a certain charm to the melodies. My favorite song will remain the last concluding smoothly: the ballad Wake Up Yesterday. So if you aren’t going to damage your speakers, The Hard Way is good a country album.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: Put Yourself in My Shoes

Release Date: 27 November 1990

Review:

In the continuation of his previous albums, Clint persists on slow tempos for most part which made his success. Although spent a little unnoticed at the time, the album offers beautiful melodies like Put Yourself in My Shoes, The Gulf of Mexico and Muddy Water. This time you can’t stop dancing on This Nightlife. Looking for a song that shows his style, then why not listen to: Loving Blind. Although not his best album, the opus is still very good. Certainly it stays on the beaten path. Nothing new and it’s perhaps that the biggest flaw of the album. The good point? the end, no I'm not kidding, the last track is really successful.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Clint Black

Album: Killin' Time

Release Date: 02 May 1989

Review:

This debut album is a real treat. The rhythm is perfect and his voice is simply magical. We start with a bang and continues to go from melodies to melodies very well done. Just listen to A Better Man and you’ll be speechless, Wow hats off to the singer. His style is very romantic and when listening to his voice, we understand why. This is a singer who will moved more than one woman. The artist wrote or co-wrote most of the songs, which this quality is quite impressive. In short if you want to make a little trip back in time and listen to a country from the early 90s, I can only advise you this album. The melodies are generally quite soft, slow, which perfectly highlights his voice value. At time we love time travel, at least musically.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Big & Rich

Album: Horse of a Different Color

Release Date: 5 June 2007

Review:

This third album is undoubtedly my favorite one of the duo, and it was a difficult task, because their previous Horse of a Different Color was a perfection, well they did it. It's just gorgeous, the ballads Lost In This Moment and Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace are sumptuous. In fact it’s the whole album that surprises us, the tracks are successful, even the duet with Wyclef Jean: Please Man. Their originality, inspiration, has no limit. I am in awe and I choose my words carefully. Lyrics are beautiful, the voices are still perfect. But they don’t stop there, there are delusional intros and fun. The hits keep coming: Faster Than Angels Fly, Eternity, When The Devil Gets The Best Of Me, You Never Stop Loving Somebody. The last song will make you jump and move with Loud. They are never where we expect them and this is their strength. They always manage to renew themselves, to surprise us, to give us more and more. Hats off gentlemen, because this time the album is a little gem.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Big & Rich

Album: Horse of a Different Color

Release Date: 4 May 2004

Review:

What a slap, I believe I never had an album that affected me in such way. It’s simply the best opus of 2004, then it was normal for me to review it. Big & Rich's first studio album is a wholly new experience, a blend of rap, pop, rock, country and I don’t know what. Their style is unique but so well. This is a madness that takes you from the beginning to the end of the CD. Unbelievable, titles are all based on 2 voices, which is not so simple, choirs and musical solos are sumptuous. I am always impressed when I listen to this album. Rollin '(The Ballad Of Big & Rich), Kick My Ass, Real World are breathtaking. But the duo didn’t forget beautiful ballads such as Holy Water, Love Train, Dreadwood Mountain, Live This Life. And what about Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy), Drinkin 'Bout You. So you’ll understand, this album is an obligation for all country fans. Prepare to enter into a crazy world and one thing is sure, we want more.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Jason Boland & The Stragglers

Album: The Bourbon Legend

Release Date: 31 October 2006

Review:

In a more confident outlaw style, this time everything is easy to listen. It’s not a reference album but some songs are successful and the artist’s voice fits more to this kind of music than his previous opus. Songs like The Bourbon Legend, Jesus And Ruger, Lonely By Choice, the band seems to have found a mix that’s better and that makes you want to come back. So of course this album is not to put in all hands, but if you like the outlaw style, this CD is for you. You will spend a good time. For my part I prefer Time In Hell who is a pleasant surprise, but I let you discover it.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Jason Boland & The Stragglers

Album: Pearl Snaps

Release Date: 16 October 2001

Review:

In the pure traditional country rock albums, americana, Jason Boland & The Stragglers release his Pearl Snaps. The opus is good, not great but nice to listen, the atmosphere’ll bring you to a bar, there are many "drinking songs", some songs are worth a tour as Somewhere Down in Texas and Pearl Snaps. If Jason’s voice is nice to listen, we don’t take off that easy. Yet the band proves its potential on songs like Proud Souls, the successful cover Ponies, the very good Telephone Romeo and Devil Pays in Gold. So there is potential, but we will wait for a next album to get a better idea of the band, because for now, it’s barely distinguishable from the mass of similar album.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: The Bleu Edmondson Band

Album: Lost Boy

Release Date: 23 October 2007

Review:

The sound is good, even if you feel the ups and downs as the album, perhaps a lack of consistency or some tracks could have been better. A certain melancholy emerges from the album, a sweet sadness takes you. Don’t look for new country or pure rock, just a good southern rock opus at the Texas sauce. It begins well enough with songs like American Saint, The Echo (Maybe Tonight) with a sax that goes well and Jesus Is Cryin‘ which is more pop rock. A good mix of slower and more rhythmic tracks, you feel the Texas influences. It's more a soft southern rock to me, it’s far from pure country rock but all is going pretty well. On a sad and heavy theme as Finger On the Trigger, the artist surprise us with a rhythmic tempo, which is a good point. He often refers to religion, if God listens, is it a reflection?. A good fun album to listen.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Ryan Bingham

Album: Roadhouse Sun

Release Date: 2 June 2009

Review:

If I liked the previous album Mescalito, the latest opus is a little different in style. If we remain on the side of outlaw music, some songs are more hard rock than rock for me, yet there are good songs like Dylan's Hard Rain, Tell My Mother I Miss Her So. And what about the ballad Country Roads where one feels his need for freedom, his desire not to settle somewhere. What’s the most surprising, it’s where Ryan is doing better, during slower tempos where his voice does wonders like Snake Eyes (slow and sad but the mix between the guitar guitar and his voice is perfect), Rollin 'Blues Highway, Roadhouse Blues rock or Wishing Well. The only downside that persists while listening to the album is the lack of consistency, or at least we had trouble adjusting to the change of rhythm and style unlike the previous album. Anyway if you like that singer and outlaw style, this album will make you spend a good time because it must be said, this artist deserves to be better known in France.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Gord Bramford

Album: Day Job

Release Date: 6 April 2010

Review:

Another newcomer from the far north and yes it’s a Canadian property. A quality production, a sound that transports you from the beginning to the end. The song Day Job will please a lot of people right now. The style is honky tonk, and it works very well for a Canadian. Between Cheap Date and Put Some Alcohol on It that are catchy while being fun if you understand the language of Shakespeare. She Bring It fits perfectly with the style so honky tonk. You feel a lot of emotions listening to the album, the singer hits the target. I would conclude with the lyrics of Better, to show that the artist is right to continue because this CD worth it.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Ryan Bingham

Album: Mescalito

Release Date: 02 October 2007

Review:

This young Texan is a unique singer. It’s the night after its rodeo competitions that he took his guitar and sang for its friends before heading back in his old truck. Singer with a vagabond soul, he offers us a real Texas postcard. He wrote all the songs on the album which is already good but have its importance when you see its quality. His life on the road gave him great maturity despite his age, his broken voice gives all its charm. The melodies are really impressive, you feel a lot of Mexican and Texan influences. We love songs like Southside Of Heaven, Bread & Water and its Texan bar atmosphere is a pure madness, the track in Spanish Boracho Station is a marvel. This continues with Long Way From Georgia and Sunrise are beautiful. You will understand that music comes from the heart, we want to go away in Texas, on its roads, to travel, to find these wide open spaces, his music is an incentive, then take it.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Eli Young Band

Album: Eli Young Band

Release Date: 13 January 2009

Review:

Third CD for the Texan band and here I must say I was left speechless. Beautiful melodies as Drive away, Here's To You, Show You How To Love Again amazes us. The songs keep coming and vary, with the very rock I'm In Love, and the romantic I Still Think It's Me. This CD mixes perfectly the rock side of their first album Level with the the country sound of their second one, Jet Black and Jealous, this is really a huge crush I had for this album. Then of course it’s a country pop rock sound that won’t please everyone, but the mix is so good that we want to travel with them in the world or go home, this depends on your background.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Big and Rich

Album: Greatest Hits

Release Date: 29 September 2009

Review:

Finally it was time that someone released a greatest hits from Big and Rich, we just had to wait. If like me you juggled between their 3 albums, this one’ll save you the maneuver. You will find the 15 biggest hits of their three previous albums, Save A Horse [Ride A Cowboy], Holy Water, Comin 'To Your City, Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace, do not try, everything is there. A real good news for all their fans and country music, the only downside I would note comes from a lack of originality, one would expect some new songs or whatever that characterized their madness. For this we will have to catch up with the DVD edition that offers all their music videos, yes you heard me correctly. For those who still don’t know what to ask to Santa Claus …

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Dierks Bentley

Album: Feel That Fire

Release Date: 03 February 2008

Review:

New sound, we try to change his style by strengthening his rebellious side and it’s not the most successful. Between Life On The Run and Sideways who fail to convince, Feel That Fire and I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes caught up in their own way the cd. We like a little Latino sound with I Can't Forget Her even if it could have been better. When you know what’s the singer is capable of, I must admit that I was a little disappointed, the sound is more pop than usual. Of course there still has positive sides, the texts of Better Believer's very successful and there are as usual guest artists on the album. We have a small bluegrass touch in Last Call (with Ronnie McCoury) and a very good duo Beautiful World with Patty Griffin. The album still remains pleasant to listen, but is above all for its fans as well as country pop fans, after I personally find that this new album is a set back from the previous.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist



Artist: Oliver Buck & The New Madrids

Album: Prodigal Son

Release Date: 17 May 2008

Review:

Imagine a country folk album entirely acoustic, or almost, you have before you. If I was a little surprised by this album, I have to say the performance is good. The acoustic environment is more attractive, for those chilly winter evenings. Certainly this is not Brad Paisley but the album is easy listening and the beautiful is music. You can get lost in your thoughts on Milwaukee, The Prodigal Son, Saint Joseph Serenade. A very good album.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist



Artist: B.O

Album: Billy The Early Years

Release Date: 7 October 2008

Review:

This album is the soundtrack of Billy The Early Years, tracing the beginnings of Billy Graham, famous American evangelical preacher, one of the most beloved American. You will find all the best country artist in this compilation, it's really amazing, Sara Evans, Brooks and Dunn, they are all there. I loved Heavenly Day, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Almost Persuaded and the last song with Sierra Hull is beautiful. The track of Brad Paisley works wonderfully, in short it’s a good panel of the best in country music today, so don’t hesitate if you want to discover some artists you don’t already know, or just have a good moment.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist



Artist : Zac Brown Band

Album: The Foundation

Release Date: 18 November 2008

Review:

I was impressed by my discovery of the track Chicken Fried that we had aired during an episode of the CMP Show. And I must say that the album keeps all its promises. This album gives you the chills, a New Country that makes you want to dance, to move. A lot of acoustic guitar, tempo, voice and rhythm. In short an album especially not to miss. I loved songs like Toes, Where The Boat Leaves From, Fried Chicken, Mary. What about the first album of the group ?, we hoped its name’ll bring them happiness, indeed The Foundation, with such bases, we can only predict them good things.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist : Big & Rich

Album: Super Galactic Fan Pak 2

Release Date: 30 September 2008

Review:

What an emotion !!! After a rather poor first volume, by that I mean the musical side was to forget but the dvd was good, here is just a little madness that takes us while listening to this pack, CDs and DVDs, and yes they did once again. The CD features three tracks that are fun to listen, it doesn’t revolutionize the band but still. The gem comes from the DVD that presents a live, and then I say thank you. We waited this long, although at least three years. Imagine going into their crazy mind, their word of madness. Get ready for over an hour and a half of madness, you will find all your favorite songs and finally be able to know if these two singers are as crazy on stage as in their music. We love passionately, or to distraction. !!!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist



Artist : Luke Bryan

Album: I’ll Stay Me

Release Date: 14 August 2007

Review:

Great composer, the artist decided to start as a singer. If he has the merit of having written most of the lyrics and offer us pretty melodies, it lacks of something, which differentiates it from the numerous available album today. So of course I did enjoy some of the songs bu I can’t say that we will remember this album in a year. A good album no more.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Corb Lund Band

Album: Five Dollar Bill

Release Date: 18 March 2003

Review:

This is an album that will allow you to relax, it emerges a feeling of freshness. Rich, varied, a Texan Country tunes mixed with a Latino ones that will make you have a good time. An old style, a little bluegrass, all well mixed and ready. You will particularly appreciate, Five Dollar Bill, No Roads Here, Heavy And Leaving (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots, that’ll make you make you free. This is an album that reflects the southern, an unpretentious album originally but worth it.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Eli Young Band

Album: Jet Black And Jealous

Release Date: 16 September 208

Review:

This album is a continuation of their previous Level, a good album mixing genres. If you like a good country mixed with pop, a small grunge side and rock, without falling into the excesses, we take a blender and you get Eli Young Band. The group even improves with time, because we are stuck to tunes like Radio Waves, Enough Is Enough, Famous, Guinevere, Jet Black And Jealous, Mystery In The Making, Home. An album at the meeting of genres and rhythms, in short a good time to spend in perspective.

Rating :

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist Dale Ann Bradley

Album: Catch Tomorrow

Release Date: 10 October 2006

Review:

This album is for bluegrass fans but not least, the better. Like the albums O’Sisters volume 1 and 2 which have proven to be some bluegrass masterpieces, this album is so nice to listen to that he moved me. This new release is so cool, we escapes on popular tunes, and some new, all on bluegrass sounds, the escape is total. For those who have already traveled in America, through these beautiful and endless landscapes, this music reminds us of such a country. We love tracks like Live Forever, Run Run Rufus, Memories, Miles And Tears, Julia Belle. A special note can be given for the beautiful When The Mist Comes Again and its Irish Folk. As this album gives so many good things, it earned a special note. Get it, you won’t regret it …

Rating :

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Jason Boland

Album: Jason Boland & The Stragglers « Comal Country Blue »

Release Date: 26 August 2008

Review:

Jason Boland sign us there its 5th album in an outlaw style but especially so personal. If music is the way to get a message across, this artist has understood it. Between his Sons and Daughters of Dixie, which is about Hurricane Katrina and other songs very political, the artist is engaged and we can feel it. After we like or not these comments, but in any case it’s clear that musically it’s a success. What about the guitars and violin, well we want more. We like Sons and Daughters of Dixie, Down Here on Earth, the gentle ballad May not Be Love and the very rhythmic Outlaw Band. This album is among those who have the gift to warm up, to comfort you no matter where you are, that’s the strength of an artist you will tell me.
Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Shannon Brown

Album: Corn Fed

Release Date: 28 February 2006

Review:

This first album is a pleasant surprise. Produced by John Rich, with not only his participation but also Gretchen Wilson, the artist couldn’t have a better start and it's done. Rich and varied sounds, ranging from rock, a little groove/funk, it rhythmical. We can only love songs like Can I get An Amen, I Love 'Em All, Why, Pearls. She borrows a song from Jason Aldean, Why, nicely done. In short not bad for a first opus, it remains only to confirm for the beautiful blonde.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Garth Brooks

Album: Garth Brooks : The Limited Series (Box Set)

Release Date: 2005

Review:

It is believed we couldn’t do better than the previous 1999 Limited Edition Collector's Box, well it was a mistake. Take albums Sevens (1997), Double Live (1998), Scarecrow (2001), The Lost Sessions (2005) and a superb DVD with music videos, live performances and interviews, add a collection logo to all albums, take a beautiful booklet, and wrap everything in a nice box, your second Christmas gifts idea has just arrived. If albums are gorgeous, the dvd is worth the purchase of the box, so why deprive ourselves of this gift?
Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Garth Brooks

Album: The Limited Series (Box Set)

Release Date: 05 May 1998

Review:

This box is simply a gift package for all country music fans. Take the first 6 albums of the god of country music, add a new song on each album, gather everything, wrap them with a pretty box, made a small fee of only $ 25 at Wall-Mart and then your package is ready. Nothing wrong, it’s really a very good gift idea, very good albums for only $ 25 with a nice box and more, I say thank you Wall-Mart!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Clint Black

Album: 16 Biggest Hits

Release Date: 11 April 2006

Review:

A sure thing, this 16 Biggest Hits collection is a hit, it resumes perfectly the best songs of these artists. I had already fallen for the version of Patty Loveless, and well that's still the case for one of Clint Black. For those who are not familiar with this singer, he has an accent which almost single-handedly evokes the USA and country music. His melodies are romantic and the songs are really well chosen. It's really a pleasure to found A Better Man, Loving Blind, One More Payment, Like The Rain and a great duet with Martina McBride: Still Holding On. A very good album that makes discover a great Country music artist.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Dierks Bentley

Album: Greatest Hits Every Mile A Memory

Release Date: 06 May 2008

Review:

After three albums and a wonderful live release on DVD, Dierks Bentley is back with this Greatest Hits. Good surprise 2 new songs are presented in the album and 5 live tracks. If It's a real pleasure to see his hits, as well as a fairly new successful duet with Sarah Buxton, Sweet and Wild. The live tracks suggest the atmosphere of these concerts which is pretty amazing. A good album that combines his best songs. These new titles aren’t exceptional but the artist gives us a very personal compilation, with a mix of new songs and lives that hits the target. An artist who continues to rise ...

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Garth Brooks

Album: The Ultimate Hit

Release Date: 21 October 2007

Review

I won’t pretend to teach you who is Garth Brooks, but imagine a box of these 2 cd greatest hits, well, here it’s done. The songs are of course each more beautiful than the last, and it’s always a pleasure to see the artist even if one has all the albums, the offer is too good to refuse.
Rating:
By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist: Dierks Bentley

Album: Dierks Bentle

Release Date: 19 October 2003

Review

This is one of the artists to break through in 2003 in a quite impressive way. Very good songs are present on this album, such as What Was I Thinkin ‘, My Love Will Follow You, Whiskey Tears. What is original is that he became notices thanks to a rather rhythmic song (What Was I Thinkin '), while the majority of his songs are rather slow. But this is still a good start for Dierks, we would loved a bit more beat and power for his next album, and then be ready because he has a lot of potential.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Garth Brooks

Album: Sevens

Release Date: 25 November 1997

Review:

When I speak about Garth Brooks, this is immediately good music. I wonder if he can produce bad music besides, I don’t think so. If this is not my favorite album, the artist is always present, it’s a pleasure to listen, what a unforgettable artist !. I loved songs like Longneck Bottle, How You Ever Gonna Know, She's Gonna Make It, Cowboy Cadillac. In short when this artist releases an album, you have to listen because it's always very successful, after all he didn’t win the title of Artist of the Decade to ACM for nothing.
Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Garth Brooks

Album: Scarecrow

Release Date: 13 November 2001

Review:

This album is for me a beautiful opus, to the point that I am not afraid to say it’s the best country album that I have been given to listen. This is the kind of album that surprises you with its variety, these simple sounds so beautiful, these melodies that remain even after you finish the CD, the choir master is there.We understand that Garth Brook is like Johnny Cash, not a star or an icon, but only a God, someone "bigger than life," representing a culture, a way of expressing themselves in their music. This album is to put in your survival kit, right next to your Smith & Wesson. It‘s useless to list the songs thats are each more beautiful than the last even though my preference is Don't Cross The River.
Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Dierks Bentley

Album: Long Trip Alone

Release Date: 17 October 2006

Review:

Fourth opus for Dierks, fourth beautiful piece. We find his country rock side, with instrumental solos, guitar and banjo. He slowly imposed his style, his voice is still there, it's really a pleasure to hear him sing. The lyrics are well chosen, the melodies are catchy, in short, a sure bet. I really loved songs like Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go), Prodigal Son's Prayer (with The Grascals). The last has a religious message that will please Christian music fans. Anyway this album is a reminder that this singer is here to stay. As to me, listening to this album, I'd be Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go)!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Dierks Bentley

Album: Modern Day Drifter

Release Date: 10 May 2005

Review:

The second Dierks Bentley album finally arrived! This is even more rhythmic, but he doesn’t forget to give us either beautiful ballads like Come A Little Closer, Good Things Happen. In addition to offering a duet with Del Mc Court in Good Man Like Me, everyone who would like to live in the USA won’t help but feel deep emotion on Gonna Get There Someday (besides the guitar solo at the end is a marvel). And I'm not talking about the other tracks but they are all successful. In brief a rise of Dierks Bentley who offers a more rhythmic album, where the sweet rhythms succeed to fastest tracks, a beautiful album!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist
Artist:  Jimmy Buffett

Album: Take The Weather With You

Release Date: 10 October 2006

Review:

Jimmy Buffet will always make me think to Antoine ( a french singer), it’s also their American equivalent. So he’s back again with a good album, it’s time for some vacation anyway, islands, party here I come. After the first song, we almost feel like dropping everything, leaving to the islands and enjoy life, goodbye pollution, endless traffic hours, let’s live! This album reminds me a little license to chill. In fact it’s almost the same and that’s the problem. The music is good, very beautiful, one escapes to listen to 14 tracks, 14 that’s the problem. If I loved songs like Party At The End Of The World and sits pirate side, Whoop De Doo and its soft blues, Duke's On Sunday and its slow tunes, out of that I think the rest are too similar, already seen in some ways. This doesn’t diminish the musical quality, it's just that there's nothing really new. Go if you have the chance to have a small garden with a swimming pool, take your hat, chair and cold beer, listen to this album and you're almost on the islands, and remember I will take the Weather With You !

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist



Artist:  The Bellamy Brothers

Album: Jesus Is Coming

Release Date: 8 May 2007

Review:

Here is a band that perfectly blends Country and Christian music. A very spiritual album for a group or rather a family. Thus, the group offers a very neat gospel, perfect music, great lyrics that should be read like in Drug Problem, which will delight those who enjoy moral and especially Christian music fan. The very end of Grandma's God is simply beautiful. The track, I Ain't Going to Hell, reminds me of Matis and her Walking in Jerusalem, a catchy sound that will put you in a good mood and make you dance. Those who love the USA and country would be happy to find I'll Fly Away, the famous song performed here in a style that sounds islands, very Hawaii, like a Kenny Chesney song. In short, a very good album, musically perfect, the band performed quite often in Europe and especially at festivals in Switzerland, then frankly why not take advantage of that!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Brooks & Dunn

Album: Cowboy Town

Release Date: 7 August 2007

Review:

It’s with joy that I discovered this new album of one of the most popular country band, named the genuine Brooks & Dunn. They are part of those artists who some years ago made me discover and love their music, country. This CD is maybe temporarily their last CD together because the group is separate, so we will listen with the most attention. Frankly, if this is not their best composition, this album is a beautiful one. It’s one of those albums that I believe must be put in the most hands possible, because in addition to being beautiful musically, it emerges something great, a hug, it shows what is Country Music, with hymns (at this stage we are not talking about songs anymore) as Cowboy Town, Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak), but also very good songs with Proud Of The House We Built, Cowgirls Don't Cry, Put A Girl In It, Chance Of A Lifetime, American Dreamer.

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Big and Rich

Album: Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace

Release Date: 5 June 2007

Review:

Finally, the third opus of our crazy duo. If Comin 'to your city wasn’t a bigger success than Horse of a different color, the crazy duo is still a main actor in the Country Music today. What about this third album? . They show us a face of their world so crazy, so soft. This album is much slower than the previous, beautiful ballads, great lyrics, a sound that transports you into their world. In short, a ticket to the Country music world!. Lost In This Moment and Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace are beautiful. The three intros are also very good. Where are the gems ? the songs you listen again and again ??? everywhere, such as Eternity, When The Devil Gets The Best Of Me, You Never Stop Loving Somebody, High Five. The duet with Wyclef Jean, Please Man, is as successful. You'll understand if this CD is different, the duo as usual likes to surprise us and this doesn’t displease us!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Big and Rich

Album: Super galactic fan pak

Release Date: 26 October 2004

Review:

After their magnificent Horse of a different color, the crazy duo is back, what good news, a CD and a DVD for the price of one! ! ! But the excitement quickly falls, why put 2 remix that are useless on the CD. Moreover, if two songs could have been beautiful, Drinkin 'Bout You, and The Bob Song, the duo is talking about half the time, a real outrage. Only Never Been Down is purely beautiful. If the album is a real wreck for the duo, the DVD is itself a marvel. We find a story, clips and especially a mini acoustic concert in a bar (yes!). Certainly they are crazy, it’s Big & Rich, they are never serious, but it's so good. So here is a mixed feeling, zero points for the cd and a very high score for the DVD. In short, we throw the cd, and keeps Never Been Down, but we watch again and again the dvd!

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Bon Jovi

Album: Lost Highway

Release Date: 19 June 2007

Review:

We knew that Bon Jovi enjoyed country, since his Young Guns II soundtrack and above all for his magnificent duet with Sugarland. Who Says You Can’t Go Home, the artist give us a Nashville sound. Don’t expect a tribute to yesterday singers, but a pure country rock with lyrics reminded me strongly of Christian Music. In short it looks good. Start with Lost Highway is a little gem, Summertime will make you dance, (You Want To) Make A Memory is a marvel, Seat Next To You is a beautiful ballad, Til We Ain't Strangers Anymore is a good duo with the beautiful LeAnn Rimes. The one with Big & Rich, We Got It Going On, is also very successful. In short this is a good CD, sounding Country, even if all the tracks aren’t pure Country, the singer is no longer able to match his early albums

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist

Artist: Laura Bryna

Album: Tryng To Be Me

Release Date: 15 April 2008

Review:

The least we can say is that this album makes your head spin. The best Country musicians and writers are this debut album. Why do you ask? because it’s simply a future country star, a hope that can only goes up. On the first album I think she still lacks precision to place her voice, as against listening: Set it on fire, we can only say thank you. This young singer has the caliber of Sarah Evans, Miranda Lambert, a beautiful voice which still lacks power, but had she remained on this register, the album would have been almost perfect. Alas, I must admit that I was disappointed by the rest of the album, so I'm very hard on the note, but don’t hold that against me, it’s a good first album, but we sense that she can do so much better, we just asked her to release a second one! !

Rating:

By Sheppard Micoud - ACS Staff Journalist