Jamie Richards 2 I love being introduced to our newer artists. Again this time, the introduction came from Andrew Griffin at Red Dirt Report. And the artist is Jamie Richards. When I received the review from Andrew, I went to his MySpace page and listened to some of his music. I liked what I heard. But, I’m not the one writing this review, so let me pass you on to Andrew.

Jamie Richards 4 (Contributed to Country’s Chatter by Andrew W. Griffin, Red Dirt Report)

By Andrew W. Griffin
Red Dirt Report, editor

The 12 songs on Jamie Richards’ new album Sideways, the traditional-styled Shawnee, Okla. country singer proves he is a great vocalist and songwriter.

The title track, “Sideways,” is a nice opener, while “Half Drunk” is a great honky-tonk drinkin’ song where Richards’ twang is allowed to really shine.

Tackling Merle Haggard’s “Makeup and Faded Blue Jeans” was a bold move, but Richards’ voice fits the song and the production on it, from the guitar to pedal steel work well together.

There are plenty of sad-sack country tunes here. Mid-tempo songs like “When Love Leaves,” “A Whole Lot of Lonely” and "Enjoy the Ride."

Jamie Richards 3 A cover of the Luke Bryan song "Rural Route" is a summer-type song about backroads, country livin’ and an undeniably sweet pedal steel solo.

Sings Richards: "Beer, suds, shotguns, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Sunday dinner / Kudzu growin’ all around my house out on the rural route."

Sideways JR Richards puts a bit of pep in "I Can Party When I Need To." This is probably one of the album’s most radio-friendly songs. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this one on country radio this summer.

"Down the Road" reminds me of some 80s-90s-era traditional country. I could hear Randy Travis singing up a storm on this Richards/Walt Wilkins track.

"Silver Cross," which Richards also co-wrote with Walt Wilkins and Sean Patrick McGraw, is a powerful song, probably the strongest, lyrically, on Sideways.

While there is some repetition in regards to both the music and the lyrical themes, Sideways is a strong offering from Jamie Richards.

For more information, go to www.jamierichardsband.com.

Grade – B   Copyright 2010 West Marie Media

Again, thanks to Andrew for sending this.

I’ll talk to you all later. I hope you have a good Thursday. Drop me an e-mail whenever you have time.
Country

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I love being introduced to our newer artists. Again this time, the introduction came from Andrew Griffin at Red Dirt Report. And the artist is Jamie Richards. When I received the review from Andrew, I went to his MySpace page and listened to some of his music. I...