Great mix of uptempo and steel-guitar-licks songs. I used "You Made Me What I Am" to teach kids about the poetry of country music, the surprise ending about someone singing a song of gratitude to their father. Saw Joe Diffie on 10/16/01 in a very small venue, the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, and he demonstrated live what he represents in this CD: pure and straightforward themes in songs with fairly complex musical scores and excellent lyrics. Joe doesn't write 'em, but he can sure pick 'em.
Though perhaps not quite as brilliant as his debut, A thousand winding roads, this is nevertheless a fine album. Joe co-wrote four of the songs here so his talents are not limited to singing.
The album opens with Starting over blues, which is reminiscent of the kind of song that Hank Williams used to perform so well. The rocking Next thing smoking sits between two excellent ballads (I just don't know, Ain't that bad enough). The biggest country hit here is Ships that don't come in, another excellent ballad. The tempo picks up again for Just a regular Joe, which should get those toes tapping.
Another country hit, Is it cold in here, provides yet another example of Joe's skill at delivering a country ballad. Back to back heartaches, a great mid-tempo songs, is followed by two wonderful ballads (You made me what I am, Goodnight sweetheart) to complete a fine album.
If you are new to Joe's music, you may be best to start with one of his hits compilations, but if you are interested in exploring further, this album will give you much pleasure.
I LIKE JOE'S SONGS ALOT. SHIPS THAT DON'T COME IN AND IS IT COLD IN HERE ARE MY 2 FAVORITE SONGS ON THIS CD.
