Disco de Pat Green: “Lucky Ones”

Having read previous reviews of this new CD by Pat Green fans, I can understand how they are probably alittle disappointed in its more mainstream country sound. To me, to say sell-out is abit strong. As a more "mature" listener (my college 'daze' have LONG past me by...), I know you can't stay young forever surviving on beer songs and party muzak. (Oh, yes, I also own CD's by Reckless Kelly, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen and a few others - just so you know I'm not a totally old fart)

However, at least Pat had the good sense to surround himself with some excellent co-writers for this CD. "Baby Doll, Somewhere between Texas and Mexico, and the last four tracks - Long Way Home, Temporary Angel", etc. are my favorites as I like both the music and the lyrics to the songs.

However, give me time, I may just yet invest in some of PG's other CDs afterI get tired of listening to this one as Icontinue my ever growing search for authentic songwriters and artists rather than the over-produced stuff that plagues both the country, rock and pop-music genres in today's music world.

I am a relatively new country music fan, and most definitely a brand new Pat Green fan, and I have to say "Lucky Ones" is a great album. A person could certainly call me a displaced rocker from the 1980s, as I miss this big arena rock sound and the bigger-than-life image which went with it; but quite frankly, this is why I find such a refuge in Country's new sound. It's rock, and I like it! Thanks for being a pleasure to listen to, Mr. Green...I hope other hopeless rockers will find you.

3.5 STARS: Good CD, but Pat Green has grown into a different songwriter. This is a much more produced and polished "mature" record (huhummm, not as many songs bout Texas and drinkin'). Die hard fans of Pats earlier work, prior to Wave on Wave/Three Days are probably gonna dislike this album. I really think it is much more radio ready. All the songs are "good", not as many stand out as "great". The duet "college" with Brad Paisley actually works for me and seems more like an older Pat song, probably due to the subject matter. The Jack Ingram cover of One Thing is pretty darn good too. All in all, some good music, but not the same PG, and ya know what I guess that ain't all that bad.

Too much Pop Country and not enough Texas soul. Disappointing does not even begin to describe this Pat's latest effort. As a Pat Green fan I feel betrayed. Whenever Pat released a new CD I never bothered to preview an album because I knew what I was getting; a true Texas songwriter and musician. I purchased his latest album with the same confidence, only to have him lose my trust with a slick, pop, watered-down, mainstream country album that fits right in with the music that I refuse to listen to on mainstream country stations. Maybe on his next album, instead of Brad Paisley, he and Uncle Cracker, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet, and Alan Jackson can remake a Hank Williams song with a Caribbean beat and shoot the video in Cancun. (Maybe even bring in Little Jimmy Dickens in for comic relief. That way Pat will be a shoe in for the Grand Ole' Opry.)

A few argue that Green is growing as an artist. No, he is not. He is falling in line. The great ones make everyone listen to their sound and change the listener's attitudes. They DO NOT conform to the mainstream. Very little of this album has the Texas sound that made Pat Green unique. As a long time fan, I wanted Pat Green to find commercial success. However, I always believed he would set the example and put real Texas music on the map, changing the idea of what country music should and could be, while staying true to his music. I truly believe that with this CD he has lost his integrity and credibility with his fans. I can only hope that he can one day find his way back to Texas.

Obviously much to the dismay of some of the reviewers Pat is growing up. This is a great collection of songs, well written and not over produced. Pat has collaborated with some great song writers on this album too. I really love Baby Doll, Lucky Ones and Temporary Angel. Are they a departure from Pat's Dance Hall days? sure. Are they more mainstream? Yes, but not in the slick slap a hat on a pretty face and voice kind of mainstream.

Pat has his own unique style and voice. When you hear him on the radio you know it's him.

This CD is a major step up from Wave on Wave which I thought was probably put together and shipped out to take advantage of the success of Three Days.

If you think Pat's sold out well then that's your lose. There will be a lot of new and old fans who have matured with Pat who will love this CD. Given decent air time Lucky Ones will be a big seller for Pat!