Disco de Lonestar: “I'm Already There”

Descripción (en inglés) :

Lonestar: Michael Britt (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Dean Sams (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, keyboards); Richie McDonald (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Keech Rainwater (drums, percussion). Additional personnel includes: B. James Lowry, Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Michael Britt, Dann Huff, Jerry McPherson (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (dobro); Jonathan Yudkin (fiddle, cello); Larry Franklin, Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); Tim Akers (accordion, keyboards); Matt Rollings (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Mike Brignardello (bass); Wayne Killius (programming); Chris McHugh, Paul Leim (drums); The Nashville String Machine. Recorded at Oceanway and Sound Shop Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. "I'm Already There" was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by A Duo Or Group With Vocal and for Best Country Song. "Not A Day Goes By" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The members of Lonestar have created a successful career by applying their sharp musicianship, super-tight vocal harmonies and squeaky-clean pop stylings to fairly traditional tear-jerking country ballads. I'M ALREADY THERE doesn't break a lot of new ground, but showcases the group doing what they do best, on a collection of first-rate material. Lonestar's ace in the hole has always been Richie McDonald's yearning tenor vocals, and this album finds him in top form. McDonald's delivery is pretty unusual, as he is able to simultaneously convey a sense of raw, high lonesome backwoods longing and modern pure pop sensibility a la Sting or Don Henley. Though the group's greatest strength is still the slow songs, I'M ALREADY THERE includes some fine uptempo moments as well, particularly the alternative rock-esque "With Me." Unlike some of it's contemporaries, whose poppier efforts often end up sounding like bad beer commercials, Lonestar infuses just the proper amount of carefree rock attitude into it's country, but never resorts to smarminess, insincerity or cliche.

If you were a fan of Lonestar because of their Lonely Grill album, then do not buy this CD. Lonely Grill was much more "country" than this one. Except for "I'm already there", this CD is not typical Lonestar. I must say, I was a little dissapointed at first, however the more I listened to this CD, the more it grew on me. It's an interesting new sound you cant dismiss, but I hope they come back to their original sound on the next CD. I would buy this CD if you're a big fan, however those who like their past songs better stick with the old CD, they wont find it here.

I just picked up "I'm Already There", popped it in the CD player, and I guarantee it's not coming out any time soon. I was hooked on the title track the first time I heard it, but every song on this album, top to bottom, is great. Very rarely do you find a CD where every song is worth listening to...but I guarantee you won't be playing with the skip button too often.

"Unusually Unusual" is a terrific cut for this group of guys known more for their ballads than their up-beat tunes. The song is cute, catchy, and a guaranteed radio hit if it's ever released. "With Me" is in the same boat.

Did I say ballads? "Not A Day Goes By" is one of the highlights of this CD.

Go out and buy "I'm Already There". You won't be disappointed.

Lonestar has become one of my the favorite country groups. Just like with Amazed and now I'm Already There, these guys really know how to reach you in the heart with the great words that they write. Even though I don't have children, I just see this little boy asking for his dad to be home as I listen to "I'm Already There" everyday on the radio. I really feel it in the heart and soul listen to this song.

This CD is not a disappointment in any way. As with all groups after a stellar album, Lone Star has the need to really WOW fans or have them say they have slipped. While there are some songs that are different, that doesn't make them bad or mean that the group is going in different directions. Maybe they now have the leeway to be more of who they really are as musicians and artists and are not afraid to break out of the mold. There are some fun songs, I expect a few of those on every Lone Star CD, the uptempo and, of course, the ballads carried off in classic Lone Star fashion. I was thrilled and I look for them to continue the string of number ones. This is a very strong CD. If you have the chance see in them on stage, it is well worth the ticket price. They can carry it off live as well as in a studio. That is more than you can say for a number of the kings and queens of country! If you liked "Lonely Grill", "I'm Already There" is for you.