CD Reviews- Joe Diffie- Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album

The Background:
Joe Diffie is returning to his roots. The multi-platinum-selling singer, who began in bluegrass music before soaring to the top of the charts with mainstream hits such as 'Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)' and 'Pickup Man,' is coming full circle by releasing a bluegrass album on Rounder Records. Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album, includes some of the most well-known musicians in the genre. Making guest appearances on the CD, which was produced by Joe and Luke Wooten, are Rhonda Vincent, Alecia Nugent, Bradley Walker and the Grascals. The 12-track disc also pays homage to some of the genre's most beloved songwriters, with Joe's version of the Flatt & Scruggs tune 'Somehow Tonight,' as well as Larry Cordle's 'I Know How It Feels'

The Review:
Joe Diffie has long be a mainstay of country music, as both performer and songwriter. He has twelve number one hits under his own name, while writing hit tunes for the likes of Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty, and Joe Dee Messina. Casual fans might only recognize him for some of his humorous novelty songs such as “Third Rock From The Sun” or “John Deere Green.” If that's the case, they’ve missed the full story, however. Diffie not only got his start in music playing bluegrass, but some of his best work has been heartfelt with poignant lyrics such as “The Road Not Taken” and “Ships That Don’t Come In.”

Diffie’s main instrument- his voice- is recognizable, warm and friendly. Having produced so many hits- so many GREAT tracks across his career- it’s a comfort to know that he’s still going strong. He slips into this bluegrass collection like a hand in a glove. It’s an easy listen, like an old friend. And best of all, Diffie sounds inspired with recharged batteries.

The album leans heaviest on modern bluegrass but draws on all the strengths of what we’ve loved about Diffie- (for the most part) a traditional country approach with song topics that celebrate family, faith and community. And while it just might be that we’re used to him singing that Nashville delivery, he puts a slightly more country music spin on these bluegrass tracks than perhaps an Appalachian stalwart might. It’s beautiful. The instrumentation is outstanding- with beautiful picking on each and every song. It’s naturally all acoustic filled with traditional bluegrass instruments including guitars, dobro, and fiddles. Notice there’s no percussion. It weaves beautiful tapestry of sound.

As for specific tracks, the album includes the best single I’ve heard all year in “Route 5 Box 109.” It’s a reflection on days gone past filled with nostalgia such as Martha White’s Flour, childhood fishing for brim and Schwinn bicycles. Like the Judds “Flies On The Butter” and Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me,” he forgoes all the radio-common cliché’s of down home living and why the country is so much better than the city and concentrates on his own powerful personal reflections of the sentimental minutia that made his own upbringing so special and memorable. It’s a stunningly beautiful track. If it had a color, it would be black and white or sepia. On the flip side, there’s a great mini story-song on “’Til Death.” Diffie lets lots of evil thougts run through his mind as he deals with the morality, betrayal and revenge from his song-wife’s cheating. The song ends appropriately with tragedy, with his protagonist eventually figuring out that he’s married until “death do us part.” And he doesn’t want to be married any longer. In between is the fun tune of the life of a cornfield- given fears and emotions- on “Tall Cornstalk.” He even puts a fantastic spin on "Fit For a King," last heard on Garth Brooks' Sevens album.

Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album is easily one of our favorite albums of the year- easily in the Top 5. It's true bluegrass bliss.

Sounds Like:
Classic Joe Diffie Singing In Front Of The Grascals or Infamous Stringdusters

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Route 5 Box 109
I Know How It Feels
Tall Cornstalk
Free And Easy
‘Til Death
Fit For A King

The Verdict:
Four & A Half Stars Out Of Five