Tracy Lawrence Album: “The Best of Tracy Lawrence”

Description :

Personnel includes: Tracy Lawrence; Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar, harmonica); Larry Byrom (acoustic guitar); Brent Rowan (electric guitar, mandolin); Joe Spivey (guitar, fiddle); Brent Mason, Dann Huff, Chris Leuzinger (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar, dobro, pedabro); Sonny Garrish (steel guitar, dobro); Bruce C. Bouton (pedal steel guitar); Rob Hajacos (fiddle); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Gary W. Smith (piano, synthesizer, keyboards); Dennis Burnside (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Steve Nathan, Tony Harrell (piano, keyboards); Flip Anderson (piano); Glenn Worf, Willie Weeks, Dave Pomeroy (bass); Lonnie Wilson, Eddie Bayers, Milton Sledge (drums); Dennis Wilson, John Wesley Ryles, Curtis Young (background vocals). Producers: James Stroud, Don Cook, Tracy Lawrence, Flip Anderson. Engineers include: Mike Bradley, Julian King, Butch Carr. Includes liner notes by Tracy Lawrence. Since Tracy Lawrence's first single "Sticks & Stones" went straight to Number One, he's proven himself to be a talented songwriter, a singer of rare ability, and a consistent hitmaker, all qualities highlighted here. Though some memorable hits are missing--"Runnin' Behind," "As Any Fool Can See"--THE BEST OF... is a well-chosen retrospective of big hits, plus two new tracks. The CD kicks off with Lawrence's acclaimed single, "Time Marches On," in which the passage of 40 years is reflected in one Everyfamily. Barn-burners such as "If the Good Die Young" and "Renegades, Rebels and Rogues" are fun to listen to, but Lawrence's best songs have always cast him in the role of a sensitive guy at the mercy of his emotions ("Is That a Tear," "Texas Tornado," "Better Man, Better Off"). He's also a fine romantic balladeer, as shown on "Stars Over Texas" and the new "While You Sleep." Lawrence's voice definitely matures over the eight years covered here, but early singles such as "Can't Break It to My Heart" and "Alibis" still stand up well next to more recent cuts.

Here is an artist that could have easily been swept under the rug, but whose music would never allow it. Tracy Lawrence is a true Traditionalist, with a voice like none other. While the likes of Garth Brooks was jumping around on stage with a Madonna-like headset, Tracy was doing straight-forward, hardcore, music that reached out through the speakers and grabbed you. Here was a singer that needed no gimmicks and you basically got what you saw; wish there were more like him, and I'm glad to see his return to the stage. This album is a collection of some of the best country songs of the '90's; and of course, they're all Tracy Lawrence. There are some true gems here, inlcuding the pure "Sticks and Stones", "Is That a Tear", and "Can't Break it To My Heart". There are also the more rowdy numbers "Good Die Young" and "Better Man Better Off"; all of which received their fair share of airplay in the last decade. I dont recall what happened, but Tracy appeared to have fallen off the edge of the earth in the late -90's, and his void was never filled. Perhaps it was the intro of the Mega Pop Star Garth, Shania, Faith & Tim Hill? In any event, this album is a chance to hear one of the finest "modern" voices of our music. A+

Tracy Lawrence is a fantastic live performer, but his studio albums are plagued by inconsistency. When he has decent material, he turns in a fine performance; when the material sucks, you start feeling a little sorry for him. This greatest hits is wonderful because it collects many of Lawrence's biggest hits on one disc. (ALL of the hits are not here, as another reviewer noted.) Lawrence uses his admittedly strange voice to good effect, and every song is a keeper, making this a very enjoyable listen. Many of these songs are modern classics. And if you like this stuff, check out his Live album -- one of the best live albums in the entire country genre.

This CD is one of the main reasons I like country music. This song is chock full of real, down-to-life songs like "If The World Had A Front Porch," "Alibis," "Can't Break It To My Heart," and "Texas Tornado." He knows how to have fun, too. Those songs are "Renegades, Rebels, and Rogues" and "If The Good Die Young." Then he also gets romantic on such songs as "Stars Over Texas," and "While You Sleep." He can also sing a good hurting song, like "Her Old Stompin' Ground," "Sticks And Stones," "Is That A Tear," and "I See It Now." There is also the hit "Time Marches On." There is also the hopeful "Better Man, Better Off." This is a rock-solid collection that any fan of true, traditional country music should have.