Album Review
Album Review: Various Artists, Sweet Home Alabama – The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
Although Lynyrd Skynyrd never topped the country charts and were never a staple of country radio, the iconic band’s influence on the genre is undeniable and continues to live on especially through those artists who flavor their country with a good dose of southern rock. Fans are always up for a sing-along to such Skynyrd staples as “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Gimmie Three Steps,” both of which are covered on the eight-song tribute record, the aptly named Sweet Home Alabama – The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Those artists who are carrying on the spirit of The Outlaws like Eric Church, Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson to those who have traveled over to take a walk on the country side like Uncle Kracker to newcomers like Randy Montana are all found here answering the call of “Play me some Skynyrd!” on this Wal-Mart exclusive release which is available now.
Things kick off with a bang by singer-songwriter Eric Church, who is no stranger to rocking especially during his live shows. He takes on “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” which really rocks hard when you compare it to the singles he has released so far during his career. Eric’s raspy, smoky vocals really take a front seat on the track making the story come alive all the while opening the listener’s eyes to what a great talent he is as a vocalist. Following the song is another bright spot on the album the ever-popular “Simple Man” which allows Randy Houser to put his soulful vocal ability on display hitting straight to the heart with his emotional delivery.
Current country chart-climber Uncle Kracker gives a twist to “All I Can Do is Write About It” making it funkier and upping the tempo. It completely alters the underlying tone of this tune about the industrialization of the South morphing it into a light-hearted feeling ditty instead of the more somber tone of the original. Meanwhile, Shooter Jennings infuses a bluesy ramblin’ spirit in his version of “Call Me the Breeze” that completely fits with the topic at home. The pairing of Jamey Johnson, who continues on his path of critical praise, and “Four Walls of Raiford” is a perfect match. Jamey’s vocals are haunting on this sparsely produced tale of a prisoner who makes an attempt to reach freedom. Singer-songwriter Randy Montana aptly handles “Tuesday’s Gone” and further encourages his rep as one of this year’s most promising newcomers. (Check out more about Randy in Artist to Watch.)
Sweet Home Alabama – The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd closes out with two of Skynyrd’s best loved anthems with “Gimmie Three Steps” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Eli Young Band amps things up with their completely enjoyable take on “Gimmie Three Steps,” while newbie Ashley Ray, who made waves during her stint as part of the Country Throwdown Tour, tries to tackle hallowed ground with the Skynyrd signature “Sweet Home Alabama.” She wisely puts her own spin on the song by singing sweetly and slowing things down, perhaps handing the listener the most unique take out of the eight songs featured here.
Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010
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