The Background
In his later years, Hank Williams Jr.'s conservative Republican views, politically incorrect lyrics, and oft-cartoonish redneck image made him a polarizing figure. Through it all, however, he continued to deliver uncompromising, heartfelt country music true to his personality and for the most part, unlike anything his contemporaries are doing. 127 Rose Avenue has been released during one of the worst economic recessions in U.S. history, a circumstance that provided the perfect setting for Bocephus's trademark matching of high energy country rock and everyman-themed lyrics. Highlighted by the hit single, "Red, White & Pink Slip Blues" (which details the closing of a mill and the resultant catastrophic effects on a small town), the album tackles a variety of modern concerns head-on, from child abuse ("Sounds Like Justice") to the value of personal relationships ("Mighty Oak Trees"). Throughout, the Louisiana-born singer follows his own path, as always paying tribute to his legendary father while speaking his mind without reservation.
The Review
The first single from Hank Williams, Jr.'s 127 Rose Avenue is called "Red, White & Pink Slip Blues," a dedication to the economic uncertainty of 2008 & 2009 recession America. Similar to John Rich’s “Shutting Detroit Down,” it pleads the concerns of the common man who is struggling to find his financial way in a country that has left them behind. But like a second date on the same night, it has found a difficult direction at country radio. The album is a paradox in so many different ways. Hank Williams, Jr. has been remaking the same record since the early 1980s. It’s been redneck Southern rock that celebrates being rowdy, drinking beers, raising hell and hanging out with hot chicks and friends. And it’s not that we don’t enjoy listening to it. It’s just that we’ve heard it before. The formula feels a bit dated and worn although the production is current as can be. (The instrumental bridges on the self-penned “Farm Song” are as wicked cool as country gets.) It’s like his Monday Night Football intro. It’s not bad, it’s just that we may be due for something new. For this reviewer, the very best pieces to the album are the ones that fall outside the norm- outside of the southern rockin’ boy formula. Three ballads, “Mighty Oak Trees,” “127 Rose Avenue” and “Gulf Shore Road” have introspective lyrics, a surprising broad vocal range by Williams and are great songs- in any decade. The result- if you dig Bocephus' albums of the 80’s and 90’s, you’re going to love this new album. If you’re not, download the ballad singles and you’ll have the best of this album.
Sounds Like
Classic Hank Williams, Jr.
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Mighty Oak Trees
127 Rose Avenue
Gulf Shore Road
The Verdict:
Three Stars Out Of Five
In his later years, Hank Williams Jr.'s conservative Republican views, politically incorrect lyrics, and oft-cartoonish redneck image made him a polarizing figure. Through it all, however, he continued to deliver uncompromising, heartfelt country music true to his personality and for the most part, unlike anything his contemporaries are doing. 127 Rose Avenue has been released during one of the worst economic recessions in U.S. history, a circumstance that provided the perfect setting for Bocephus's trademark matching of high energy country rock and everyman-themed lyrics. Highlighted by the hit single, "Red, White & Pink Slip Blues" (which details the closing of a mill and the resultant catastrophic effects on a small town), the album tackles a variety of modern concerns head-on, from child abuse ("Sounds Like Justice") to the value of personal relationships ("Mighty Oak Trees"). Throughout, the Louisiana-born singer follows his own path, as always paying tribute to his legendary father while speaking his mind without reservation.
The Review
The first single from Hank Williams, Jr.'s 127 Rose Avenue is called "Red, White & Pink Slip Blues," a dedication to the economic uncertainty of 2008 & 2009 recession America. Similar to John Rich’s “Shutting Detroit Down,” it pleads the concerns of the common man who is struggling to find his financial way in a country that has left them behind. But like a second date on the same night, it has found a difficult direction at country radio. The album is a paradox in so many different ways. Hank Williams, Jr. has been remaking the same record since the early 1980s. It’s been redneck Southern rock that celebrates being rowdy, drinking beers, raising hell and hanging out with hot chicks and friends. And it’s not that we don’t enjoy listening to it. It’s just that we’ve heard it before. The formula feels a bit dated and worn although the production is current as can be. (The instrumental bridges on the self-penned “Farm Song” are as wicked cool as country gets.) It’s like his Monday Night Football intro. It’s not bad, it’s just that we may be due for something new. For this reviewer, the very best pieces to the album are the ones that fall outside the norm- outside of the southern rockin’ boy formula. Three ballads, “Mighty Oak Trees,” “127 Rose Avenue” and “Gulf Shore Road” have introspective lyrics, a surprising broad vocal range by Williams and are great songs- in any decade. The result- if you dig Bocephus' albums of the 80’s and 90’s, you’re going to love this new album. If you’re not, download the ballad singles and you’ll have the best of this album.
Sounds Like
Classic Hank Williams, Jr.
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Mighty Oak Trees
127 Rose Avenue
Gulf Shore Road
The Verdict:
Three Stars Out Of Five
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