The Background:
Signed to Mercury Nashville Records in 2002, Nail recorded a self-titled debut album, which had the lead-off single, “Memphis” land up high on the charts. Advance copies of the album were sent out to radio stations and then inexplicably, Nail was dropped and the album shelved. “I think every artist that moves to Nashville has a list of things they hope to achieve, and having a record in stores has always been near the very top for me,” explains Nail. “This has been a… process of highs and lows, but now being on the verge of accomplishing that, it feels as sweet as I ever imagined.” On August 18th, David Nail’s long ride, ten years in the making, comes to fruition with the release of his debut album, I'm About To Come Alive. It features tracks written by Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts' Gary Le Vox and hosts guest vocals by Miranda Lambert. The first track was written specifically for Ray Charles. The title track was the first release off the album, reestablishing Nail on the country charts. But it’s been his second single, “Red Light,” that has spent an amazing 20+ weeks on the charts.
The Review:
From the opening bluesy piano opening, it’s obvious that some of the Mississippi delta blues have seeped into David Nail’s version of country music. And that’s a very good thing. With an album that is as autobiographical as it is soulful, Nail is one of the few artists that have taken a theme and chosen/written songs to fit that theme. Nail’s is small town boy growing up in trying times of Nashville. It seems experience fits Nail well. Place names seem to serve Nail well. After his first hit on the charts, “Memphis” he’s followed up with two other songs based on locales. The first of which is the excellent "Mississippi." Putting his bluesy and rich voice to work, he recalls Ronnie Milsap, it has a delightful jazzy piano base and emotive lyrics. The closing track, "Missouri" is a guitar driven ballad that lets Nail cut loose a bit vocally. "I'm About to Come Alive" was first cut by the rock group Train and with its inspiring lyrics that Nail has said represents his story, is the closest thing to the modern country/pop movement on the album. It is a great listen, however. "Clouds," one of the five David Nail co-writes, is certainly the best vocals on the album. He makes goodbye sound great on this soaring ballad. This is a great collection of perfectly chosen songs, all put together not based on individual tunes, but on a storyboard of experience. It’s one of our favorite albums by a new artist this year.
Sounds Like:
Marc Cohn, Levon Helm and Ronnie Milsap
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Mississippi
I’m About To Come Alive
Red Light
Clouds
Turning Home
Missouri
The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five
Signed to Mercury Nashville Records in 2002, Nail recorded a self-titled debut album, which had the lead-off single, “Memphis” land up high on the charts. Advance copies of the album were sent out to radio stations and then inexplicably, Nail was dropped and the album shelved. “I think every artist that moves to Nashville has a list of things they hope to achieve, and having a record in stores has always been near the very top for me,” explains Nail. “This has been a… process of highs and lows, but now being on the verge of accomplishing that, it feels as sweet as I ever imagined.” On August 18th, David Nail’s long ride, ten years in the making, comes to fruition with the release of his debut album, I'm About To Come Alive. It features tracks written by Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts' Gary Le Vox and hosts guest vocals by Miranda Lambert. The first track was written specifically for Ray Charles. The title track was the first release off the album, reestablishing Nail on the country charts. But it’s been his second single, “Red Light,” that has spent an amazing 20+ weeks on the charts.
The Review:
From the opening bluesy piano opening, it’s obvious that some of the Mississippi delta blues have seeped into David Nail’s version of country music. And that’s a very good thing. With an album that is as autobiographical as it is soulful, Nail is one of the few artists that have taken a theme and chosen/written songs to fit that theme. Nail’s is small town boy growing up in trying times of Nashville. It seems experience fits Nail well. Place names seem to serve Nail well. After his first hit on the charts, “Memphis” he’s followed up with two other songs based on locales. The first of which is the excellent "Mississippi." Putting his bluesy and rich voice to work, he recalls Ronnie Milsap, it has a delightful jazzy piano base and emotive lyrics. The closing track, "Missouri" is a guitar driven ballad that lets Nail cut loose a bit vocally. "I'm About to Come Alive" was first cut by the rock group Train and with its inspiring lyrics that Nail has said represents his story, is the closest thing to the modern country/pop movement on the album. It is a great listen, however. "Clouds," one of the five David Nail co-writes, is certainly the best vocals on the album. He makes goodbye sound great on this soaring ballad. This is a great collection of perfectly chosen songs, all put together not based on individual tunes, but on a storyboard of experience. It’s one of our favorite albums by a new artist this year.
Sounds Like:
Marc Cohn, Levon Helm and Ronnie Milsap
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Mississippi
I’m About To Come Alive
Red Light
Clouds
Turning Home
Missouri
The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five
Great review. I've been on the fence on this one, but I think I will go ahead and pick up the CD as it sounds like I'll definitely like it (especially if it sounds like Marc Cohn!)
ReplyDeleteWe saw David and his band perform today at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana. He was great! We really enjoyed the sound of his music and the band--mellow, nice tunes, really good to listen to. I immediately came home and checked online to try to order the new cd. Good luck David. I think you'll do well!
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