Neon

Similar to Billy Currington, Chris Young is an instantly likeable, deep-voiced singer who plays traditional-flavored country pop without any flash or fluff. The Murfreesboro, Tennessee native’s third album is a stride-hitting accomplishment with naturally catchy tunes that balance ballads and weekend roadhouse rockers. “I Can Take It from There” opens with twangy guitars and rootsy fiddles playing over a bouncy melody as Young croons flirtatiously with a good ol’ boy charm. The heartbreaking power ballad “Tomorrow” is a sullen serenade where Young casts out some brutally honest lyrics. “When She’s On” is a more optimistic love song with melting pedal steel notes, grinding Hammond organ, and shameless romantic fawning. Young shifts his sentimentality to family in “Flashlight” as he muses on helping his father tinker with the family car. Of course no true cowboy could record an album without a proper drinking song and “Save Water, Drink Beer” delivers the goods with a clever take on hydro-conservation.