Son of a Preacher Man

With or without his partner Big Kenny, John Rich likes to stir up controversy when the mood strikes him. On his solo debut Son of a Preacher Man, the ex-Lonestar vocalist matches some pointed political commentary with assorted observations on life, love and family. Tapping into a vein of populist anger, he assails greedy corporate execs in “Shuttin’ Detroit Down,” and then celebrates heartland values in “The Good Lord and the Man” (a toast to World War II heroes), “Trucker Man” (an anthem for today’s long-haulers), and “Preacher Man” (an affirmation of that Old Time Religion and the father who embodied it). Balancing these message-laden numbers are stirring romantic ballads like “Another You” and “I Thought You’d Never Ask.” There are some welcome flashes of Rich’s outrageous side as well, found in the swaggering “Everybody Wants to Be Me” and the boozy, Big Band-flavored “Drive Myself to Drink.” The music here is up to Big & Rich’s usual standard of sharp, smoothly executed country-rock.