Cowboy's Back In Town

Of course Trace Adkins is a country singer. With that voice, he has to be. The rich baritone was made to sing songs such as “Ala-Freakin-Bama,” “Hold My Beer” and “Whoop A Man’s A*s.” Adkins likes it rowdy and he enjoys being the man’s man. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t add a wink here and there to let you know he’s playing around. “Brown Chicken Brown Cow” is a funked-up number with the banjo meeting guitars, organ, lap steel, clavinet and drums. “Hell, I Can Do That” goofs around as the perfect sad-sack country number and “This Ain’t No Love Song” and “A Little Bit of Missin’ You” are Adkins’ attempts at a more reflective tone, while “Still Love You” and “Break Her Fall” are him getting all the way there. His mainstream country hooks and big-band sound lean as much towards hard rock as they do traditional country music. It’s a huge sound that few singers can hold together. With Adkins, no one has to worry. He’s a clutch player who comes to life in the bright lights.