CD REVIEW: BIG & RICH – Gravity

Label: Big & Rich Records

Release Date: September 23, 2014

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Country seems to be crawling out of the woodwork this time of year, and most of the discs have been a pleasant surprise, including the latest from Big & Rich, Gravity. Opening with the lead single, “Look At You” is a cool song that borders on sad ballad and reflective track, with its uptempo and catchy chorus.  This song kicks the collection off nicely when coupled with the next track.  “Lovin’ Lately” features the familiar harmonies from Big Kenny and John, but mixes in Tim McGraw for a cool trio of voices that tell the story of love gone wrong in a small town.  “Brand New Buzz” is one of the more fun song son the disc.  The tempo and groove created by the guitars and vocals during the verse set this track up for success.  The fun rhythm and chorus add to the songs positive vibe.  “Run Away With You” has a cool sound that is a bit different from other tracks on the disc, but blends well within the confines of the other tracks.  The lead vocals during the verse are emotion filled and give the song extra personality.  “Don’t Wake Me Up” takes the theme of a lot of these tracks even further – loving right, loving long, and love gone wrong.  This ‘don’t leave me’ track gets the foot tapping and the heart breaking at the same time!  “I Came To Git Down” closes the disc with energy and excitement.  The good ol’ boy attitude buried in other tracks steps up front and center and takes this song down a proverbial dirt road, looking for beers and hot women right in your own stereo.

Title track “Gravity” is a mellow track that combines a mild rock sensibility with county flair to create a song that hinges on twang and ballad without becoming too syrupy and overdone  Guest Larry Gatlin provides some background vocals that enhance the end of the song.  “Rolling Along” opens with some great guitar, both electric and steel guitar that duet nicely beneath the vocals and alongside the other players.  The rhythm set down by the drums and bass add depth to the track.  “Lose A Little Sleep” opens with organ, guitars, and twang.  The country-rock hybrid sound permeates the track from open to close, even when the mandolin and slide guitar are up front in the mix.  “That Kind Of Town” is full of energy and attitude from the onset, including the injection of energy from the piano during the intro and the pounding drums that keep the song moving along from verse to chorus and back again.  “Thank God For The Pain” is a killer song, in that this one gives us one more look at the softer side of the duo while giving us lyrics that attempt to help us understand the ying-yang of love.  The addition of rock songwriter Marti Fredericksen gives this song a different flavor than some of the other tracks on the disc.  This may not be a bunch of carbon copies of “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” but that’s okay, because these tracks stand on their own and build on the momentum of previous singles like “Lost In This Moment” and “That’s Why I Pray.”  Most of these tracks should go over quite well when the guys take this show on the road.

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Category: CD Reviews