CD Reviews- Luke Bryan- Doin' My Thing

The Background:
On this follow-up to his debut album, I’ll Stay Me, that produced the hit singles “All My Friends Say” and “Country Man,” Luke Bryan kicks things off with his first radio release and current ballad “Do I” which is steadily climbing the country charts. “I can’t wait for my fans to hear my new record,” says Bryan. “I have wrapped 3 years of touring, hard work and most importantly meeting fans and I think all of that growth is reflected on this album. Doin’ My Thing will make my die-hard fans very happy and hopefully will reach out and grab some new fans. I am very proud of the music on this album and can’t wait to get it out there!” The Georgia native had a career making 2008 with two major award nominations including the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year nomination and his first nomination from the Academy of Country Music for “Best New Male Artist.”

The Review:
Luke Bryan is a very likeable artist that has an energetic live show and a fun southern voice with just the right amount of twang. His first album was an outstanding debut. And this sophomore effort is southern college frat boy country music at its very best. Which begs the question: What are you to do if you are not a southern college frat country boy? The mostly upbeat songs are all very pleasant, they just don’t have much to sink your teeth into- it doesn’t have much depth or substance to any of the song topics. We learn pearls of wisdom in song titles like “Keep Chuggin’ Along” and “Doin’ My Thing.” The songs cover topics like drinking whiskey and frisky girls on “Rain Is A Good Thing,” drinking, getting drunk, fistfights and getting trucks stuck in the mud on “I Did It Again,” and drinking, getting drunk and shooting cans on “Drinking Beer & Wasting Bullets.” Country music is best when it’s relatable and you can place yourself in the shoes of the singer or songwriter. 20 years past my college days, it was hard to do for me on this album. The CD is a lot like those cheap beer college-age parties Bryan refers to on several songs. They’re fun, you won’t remember much about them tomorrow, and the beer accomplishes its goal. But as you mature, you come to realize there’s something richer and more intoxicating to the palate.

Sounds Like:
Craig Morgan

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Do I
Doin’ My Thing
What Country Is

The Verdict:
Three Stars Out Of Five