Gary Allan Album: “Tough All Over”

...I mean, the pain you hear in Allan's voice is genuine; the haunting lyrics were chosen (or written) to exemplify that inner turmoil. Allan and co-producer Mark Wright often contrast the soulful lyrics with pounding drums, sizzling guitars, and echoing vocals. It is an album that will either inspire you or depress you, depending on the mood you're in when you begin listening to it.

It would be a long-shot to say that this is Allan's best work; it would be hard to top his previous effort, SEE IF I CARE. Still, TOUGH ALL OVER is definitely the best album released so far this year, and probably the most daring; with such haunting tunes as "Best I've Ever Had," "He Can't Quit Her," and the eloquent "Promise Broken," Gary Allan establishes himself as a mainstream artist with an alternative mindset. His self-penned "Putting My Misery on Display" is an autobiographical glimpse at the way he copes with his pain during his shows; other tunes, such as "Ring," "No Damn Good," and the title track re-route his pain into love lost.

There is still hope, though, and that is what truly makes this album a musical gem. "I Just Got Back From Hell," though arguably one of the darkest songs you've ever heard, does have a glimpse of hope in it: "I just got back from Hell, and I'm standin' here alive/I know it's really hard to tell/Don't know how I survived." The piano ballad "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" (complete with a haunting harmonica) promises: "Life ain't always beautiful/But it's a beautiful ride." And "Nickajack Cave," one of the best tunes on here, is about how Johnny Cash found his spiritual redemption.

There you have it. TOUGH ALL OVER is one of the best albums released this year. As always, Gary Allan is a powerful, engaging performer (see him live, if you haven't yet). He takes musical risks, and yet knows exactly what his fans expect of him; without giving a hoot about what critics or radio has to say, he makes music his own way. This is one of the best albums you will ever purchase, I promise you. If it does not move you...well, in that case, you aren't human.

I didn't used to like country music, I made fun of it and would avoid listening to it at all costs. Only through repeated exposure the summer of 2000 did I discover what I had been cheating myself out of, and five years later, I listen to almost nothing but country music. Especially Gary Allan. He hooked me from the beginning with "Smoke Rings in the Dark" and has kept me ever since. I listen to all sorts of artists, but Gary is the one artist I play more than any other, and I will go to every concert of his I can.

I admit my prejudices so you know right off I'm biased. That said, however, I honestly believe this is the BEST country music CD released this year. If you have never paid much attention to Gary, you will after listening to this CD. Much is made of the circumstances behind this album, and many note that this is not the happiest music to play at a party. But if you appreciate real artistry, thrill to hear outstanding craftsmanship in musicianship, love a well written song, you will find this album to be pure bliss. And what I find most remarkable is for an album full of songs about loss, it is not the least bit depressing. Anyone who is hesistating to buy this album because of thinking it might be too much of a "downer" should not avoid this record. You will find yourself dancing to "Ring" and "What Kind of Fool" without even realizing it. When shivers go down your spine during "Puttin' Memories Away" or "Life Ain't Always Beautiful", you will feel like your soul has been touched. To hear the rich bass and steel guitars, the singing of the fiddles, the delightful touches of banjo, harmonica, and organ, and the powerful way Gary's voice communicates so much more than just the lyrics on the page could are all reasons to listen to this album repeatedly. If you have been moved by Gary's superior cover of "Best I Ever Had", you will find more soul-stirring songs on the rest of the album.

There are many great country CDs out right now, but if you buy only one, make it this one.

I am biased - I love Gary Allan. I have every CD - I love every song...but this one...it speaks volumes about the power of music. He could have dealt with his pain in a private way or he could have done this. Putting his misery on display is the only way a musician, an artist, a writer can deal with life. This man is the most amazing musician, honest, raw and true to his own blood. He follows his heart, he stays true to himself and while he may not be CMA Entertainer of the Year or even Male Vocalist of the Year - he is by far the most talented and most unique country artist out there. The true irony of life would be if this intense personal album brings him the overdue credit that he deserves. Perhaps the personal tragedy behind the album will bring a sense of peace to other people dealing with the same inner pain as Gary's wife and they will feel that they are not alone. BTW - a chapter in my book is titled "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"...but I swear Gary Allan has it right, life is a freaking beautiful ride!

If you're a Gary Allan fan, you need this album because it will allow a view of to raw human emotion we don't often encounter. If you're new to Gary Allan, I'd suggest trying some of his earlier work - I think it would be wrong to start here and work backward.

This CD is great if you want to cry and get close to crushing emotions. It's not a CD to play if you want to be cheered up.

Allan's latest outing is a neo-traditional masterpiece. There isn't a throwaway track on the entire album. Raw and powerful, Allan's songwriting and presentation really showcase the pain of loss but also the beauty of having loved. Allan is always a treat to listen to, especially with his unique, gritty vocals and the production of the music. The power of the raunchy yet traditional guitar and drum work invoke some of the greatest traditionalist country of the last decade which include Allan, Danni Leigh and the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. As exhibited on "Tough Little Boys" and "Smoke Rings in the Dark", he can really deliver an emotional ballad, and this album doles it out in spades, but he can also really crank it on songs like "Ring" and the amazing and honest "Nickajack Cave". This makes it my pick for the best male country album of 2006.