CD Reviews- Tracy Lawrence- The Rock

The Background:
With 17 number one hits and more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts to his name, Tracy Lawrence turns the page to the next chaper in his long career. The inspirational country music album The Rock becomes the second album off his own Rocky Comfort Records label. “This project is really not a departure from the music I’ve always recorded,” says Lawrence. “The music is still in the same vein but the messages are a little more moving.” Produced by Lawrence and Julian King and recorded with his own road band in only two days, The Rock’s goal is to move people. “It’s the most comfortable project I’ve ever recorded… and working with Julian, we were able to put our finger on the pulse of each and every song from the structure, to the arrangement, to the dynamics.” The album hits stores next week- June 9, 2009.

The Review:
A promise kept. That’s really the crux of this entire project. When Lawrence first kicked off his career back in 1991 with Sticks and Stones, he made a promise to his parents that he would one day record an inspirational country album. Now with over 8 million albums sold, a marriage and fatherhood, the time felt right to come out with this project. It’s a passionate, powerful and moving tribute to his parents, the church and his listeners. It would be easy to think of this as a side project or niche album as a result of its theme. It isn’t at all. Throughout his career, Tracy has had a neoclassical take on honky tonk country music- sounding more today like traditional country than much of what is played on radio. This album is no different. Each song has been carefully selected to match both his vocals and preferred instrumentalization. Each album cut speaks of character, faith, truth, hope, forgiveness and belief. The messages don’t hit your over the head. They’re not preachy. They’re delivered with the same warmth and tenderness that Lawrence has approached nearly every song over his storied career- filled with steel guitar, fiddles, guitars and even a bit of piano. Believers feel there’s a power in prayer. One listen to The Rock would recognize the truth in that statement. This will be a 2010 Dove Award winner for sure.

Sounds Like:
Alan Jackson Crossed With Steven Curtis Chapman (although does anyone really sound like Tracy Lawrence?)

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Dear Lord
I’m Done
The Book You Never Read
The Rock
Somebody Who Would Die For You
Up To Him
Say A Prayer

The Verdict:
Four And Half Stars Out Of Five - one of our favorite albums of 2009