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.
(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."
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."
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.
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