Garth Brooks Album: “In Pieces [Bonus Track]”

Garth Brooks' In Pieces has some fine music. The #1 smash hit "Ain't Going Down 'Til The Sun Comes Up", with Chris Leuzinger's lead guitar and Terry McMillan's harmonica, is a fun romp. Another #1 song, "American Honky-Tonk Bar Association", is more hard core country but still fun. I also liked Garth's spirited remake of the New Grass Revival's hit "Callin' Baton Rouge", on which the guys from the New Grass Revival back up Garth. The closing number, "The Cowboy Song", is the most traditional country song on the record and another fine Western song by Garth. Garth's friend Tony Arata, the writer of Garth's classic hit "The Dance", contributed the bluesy romp "Kickin' And Screamin'".

However, though I like the musical arrangements here, I think Garth veered too heavily in the pop direction on some of the songs. There are several songs on here that are musical gems but that wouldn't be considered "country" by some listeners. In my opinion, "Standing Outside The Fire", "The Red Strokes", "The Night Will Only Know" and "One Night A Day", although they are well done, sound more pop than country. Garth has also ignited controversy at times(for instance, on "The Thunder Rolls" and "We Shall Be Free"). In Pieces is no exception as it includes two songs that tackle controversial topics. "The Night I Called The Old Man Out" deals with a confrontation between a father and his son, and the aforementioned "The Night Will Only Know" tells the story of two adulterous lovers who hear the sounds of a murder being committed(while lying "in the back seat") and then keep quiet about what happens. I don't think Garth has made too many friends in Nashville by putting out songs such as these two numbers. However, I believe that overall, Garth made a fine, listenable effort here. I give In Pieces four stars.

I am a country music fan, so maybe I am a bit biased, but I loved this album. "Standing outside the fire" was a pretty good song, but it was numbers like "The Red Strokes" and "The night will only know" that made me buy this album once again. VERY good writing in combination with Brooks' wonderful baritone made this one a hit.

On his sixth album, IN PIECES, THE superstar of country music is poised once again to break all sales records. Culling from the style of his idol Billy Joel as much as any country influence, Brooks delves further into the mix of high drama and low places of country pop. Country pedigree aside, Brooks is the quintessential pop star.

IN PIECES refers to the random way Brooks collected the songs for the album, but the album is in no way a misguided effort. It is a seamless collection. Most artists are lucky if there is one blockbuster on an album; IN PIECES has several: "The Night I Called The Old Man Out," "Standing Outside The Fire," and the 4 1/2 minute epic "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)." The bluesy "Kickin' And Screamin'" is a left-of-center departure, a la Lyle Lovett. "The Red Strokes" effectively utilizes art as metaphor for romance and serves as one of Brooks' best recordings in a discography including numerous gems. He displays his talent for singing, not posturing or grandstanding.

Garth switches to Cajun spice for "Callin' Baton Rouge" and returns to his roots and spurs for "The Cowboy Song." A murder witnessed by illicit lovers sparks the percussion-heavy "Night Will Only Know." On several songs, Brooks is joined by Trisha Yearwood's harmonies.

With all the pieces added together Garth has, once again, created an album of substance.

Due to 2 surgeries to my right foot, I ended up with alot of time to spend stuck in my bed with my foot elevated. I had recently moved and found a HBO concert I had taped in 1997. It was Garth Brooks in Central Park. I played it and it reminded me how much I enjoyed his voice. You can tell how much he loves to sing and entertain his audience. It's written all over his face. You can't fake that. So I bought more Garth and also Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Reba. There were many nights I could not sleep. After listening to Garth or Trisha or Martina and the wonderful stories that is country music I would finally relax enough to sleep.

I love Garth and In Pieces is one of the best cd's....Red Strokes being the best song on the cd!! Love, love, love Garth and this CD!! It's a "turn it up and jam" in the car kind of record!!