CD Reviews- Josh Turner- Haywire

The Background:
Singer-songwriter Josh Turner's distinctive deep-voice was first exposed to the world on debut single "Long Black Train", which rose to No.13 on the Country charts in 2003. The album of the same name was released months later and has been certified platinum. The title track for his next album, Your Man, topped the Country chart on its way to gold sales and increased anticipation for the album. When the full-length finally dropped in 2006 it climbed to No.2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieved double platinum sales. Second single "Would You Go With Me" was another Country chart No.1, while "Firecracker", the lead single from the third album Everything Is Fine (2007), hit No.2 on the same chart.

The Review:
Any guy that tells you that they wouldn’t want Josh Turner’s big deep baritone voice is either lying or jealous. Knowing you’d be able to hit depths of tones few others can touch would only be second to knowing that women everywhere would get the warm and tingly shivers each time you rumbled those deep decibels. And on Haywire, those ballads that curl toes (in a good way) are where Josh Turner shines. On a beautiful song like “I Wouldn’t Be A Man,” and the big string arranged “Lovin’ You On My Mind,” Turner's deep voice works a great magic. The strongest song, however, is the paternal “I’ll Be There.” It’s a vivid and terrific snapshot of a song that plays out like a father-child scrapbook. That isn’t to say that the uptempos aren’t good, though. The first single off of the album, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” is a fun little dancehall number and he makes us hungry singing about kisses that are delicious, just not nutritious on “Rock Candy.” The album is safe, perhaps a little too much so, with no drinking, fighting or conflict. It’s squeaky clean without a hint of controversy. And although that gives it a truly consistent theme throughout the album, it would be great to hear that voice dial up a little angst lyrically hear and there. It’s a very good album that balances well both critically as well as for radio ears. Note: there is a Deluxe Edition that is worth the extra buck or two that includes four extra songs including a great version of his signature hit “Long Black Train” that’s played live with lots of great audience interaction.

Sounds Like:
A Country Barry White

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Why Don’t We Just Dance
I Wouldn’t Be A Man
Lovin’ You On My Mind
I’ll Be There
Eye Candy

The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five