The Background-
With Nashville duo Big & Rich, "Big Kenny" Alphin created a startling, everything-but-the-kitchen sink brand of pop-country music that took the charts by storm and became one of the aughts` most unexpected success stories. Their first big hit, “Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy” turned Nashville up on its ear and marked the beginning of a streak of Big & Rich hits over the last near-decade. Though Alphin had recorded one solo album prior to joining up with John Rich, his label shelved the disc until after he and his partner hit it big.
The Review-
There have been so many recordings and so many different styles throughout country music- think the outlaw movement to today’s contemporary country- it would be darned near impossible to create a style and a sound that’s distinctly yours. In this digital age of sound, when anyone can create music in their own living room, it would be a tough proposition to develop an image and musicality that separated you from all of the other artists out there. But with a personality, alter-ego and a unique set of principles to build them on, Big Kenny has used a bevy of songwriting and performing skills to make lessons and traits like love, forgiveness, and freedom all feel like he invented them himself. There’s a social relevancy in each of his songs. Not relevant in aspect of religious or political overtones, but relevant in this fantastic international lovefest that he brings to each and every song. The ties that bind this album together are themes that involve caring for our brothers, our social footprint, how we impact others and our impact on the world. None of it is done by a heavy hand. It’s done with humor and an upbeat attitude that is oh so infectious. From the John Mellencamp-like "Long After I`m Gone" to the rocker, "Happy People," much of the material is positive. Whatever Big Kenny is on, I want some. Love is more a state of mind than a reaction. For this leaning-towards-the-middle political conservative, embracing my inner hippie never felt so good.
Sounds Like-
1960’s ideals in modern 2000’s country
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Less Than Whole
Long After I’m Gone
Wake Up
Free Like Me
The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five
With Nashville duo Big & Rich, "Big Kenny" Alphin created a startling, everything-but-the-kitchen sink brand of pop-country music that took the charts by storm and became one of the aughts` most unexpected success stories. Their first big hit, “Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy” turned Nashville up on its ear and marked the beginning of a streak of Big & Rich hits over the last near-decade. Though Alphin had recorded one solo album prior to joining up with John Rich, his label shelved the disc until after he and his partner hit it big.
The Review-
There have been so many recordings and so many different styles throughout country music- think the outlaw movement to today’s contemporary country- it would be darned near impossible to create a style and a sound that’s distinctly yours. In this digital age of sound, when anyone can create music in their own living room, it would be a tough proposition to develop an image and musicality that separated you from all of the other artists out there. But with a personality, alter-ego and a unique set of principles to build them on, Big Kenny has used a bevy of songwriting and performing skills to make lessons and traits like love, forgiveness, and freedom all feel like he invented them himself. There’s a social relevancy in each of his songs. Not relevant in aspect of religious or political overtones, but relevant in this fantastic international lovefest that he brings to each and every song. The ties that bind this album together are themes that involve caring for our brothers, our social footprint, how we impact others and our impact on the world. None of it is done by a heavy hand. It’s done with humor and an upbeat attitude that is oh so infectious. From the John Mellencamp-like "Long After I`m Gone" to the rocker, "Happy People," much of the material is positive. Whatever Big Kenny is on, I want some. Love is more a state of mind than a reaction. For this leaning-towards-the-middle political conservative, embracing my inner hippie never felt so good.
Sounds Like-
1960’s ideals in modern 2000’s country
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Less Than Whole
Long After I’m Gone
Wake Up
Free Like Me
The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five
agree 100%!! the best i have heard in a LONG time!
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