CD Reviews- Jake Owen- Easy Does It

The Background:

Jake first hit the national scene with the release of his 2006 debut album, Startin’ with Me, which launched a trio of hit singles, including the title track, “Yee Haw,” and “Something about a Woman.” Since then, he’s toured with some of country music’s biggest names, including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and Sugarland. "The only way to connect with that guy in the front row is to be honest about what I know, and sing about what I know," Jake says. "I think people get that with this album. When someone's truthful, people get it. But if someone doesn't believe what I'm singing, they're not going to connect with it because they'll have their guard up. There's no belief there. It's all about truth. In order for people to gravitate towards your music and buy into what you're saying, they have to know it's true."

The Review:

Jake Owen gets kudos ahead of time for being cemented as a solid Nashville singer-songwriter. While his handsome face. stubbled looks and great smile might melt the ladies hearts, he’s now proven himself as the full music package. With eight of the ten tracks written by Jake Owen’s own hand, and with one smash top single “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” already atop the charts, he has certainly avoided any sophomore slump. It’s all bar-friendly, radio-friendly and chick-friendly slow soulful music that hints at sentimentalism. Some might call this safe. Some might call it predictable. I don’t see it that way at all. Owen is a solid writer, a great vocalist, a solid performer and while some might complain of predictability, this is only his second album. Solidly received consistent top 20 hits must speak to a level of success- if not popularity. As for the album, there’s 4 excellent songs and a lot of good ones. "Every Reason I Go Back" tackles the subject of small-town life where "everybody knows your name" and a “dirt road trip down memory lane.” It makes the analogy that all the bad things about small towns are the same reasons you head back. The song has a strong electric guitar bridge and the “everyman” song topic is sure to make this a radio hit. "Nothing Grows in Shadows" is a more mature song topic that explores the consequences of bullying- complete with a twist in this song at the end. He does a great job of describing his own experiences which make the song more convincing. Overall, it’s a very good album, if not great- certainly one I’d recommend in owning in your collection.

Sounds Like:

Blake Shelton & Randy Houser

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Don’t Think I Can’t Love You
Who Said Whiskey (Was Meant To Drink A Woman Away)
Every Reason I Go Back
Nothin’ Grows In Shadows

The Verdict:
Three And Half Stars Out Of Five