While I'm not a fan of this album as a whole, there are some good moments on here. There are the heavy opening country-rock guitars that open the album on "Stomp". There's something honest about tracks like "God Loves A Country Girl" and the Craig Campbell feature "Back to Georgia", a song about life on the road and missing your home. Let's be real, any touring artist is going to relate to that feeling. Of course, the addition of violins throughout the album is always a nice touch. While I like these songs, there are also some things that I don't necessarily like.
The big thing on here that I'm not a huge fan of is the feel-good, get-drunk trope that's been present in country music for some time now. There are more of the ass-shakin' and beer-drinkin' themes that have become something of a punchline in country over the past few years, and while I see the need for escapist country songs about partying and forgetting about all of your troubles for a night, the way these themes are presented is important, at least to me. I like songs that are about ass-shakin' or that make me shake my ass, but not necessarily the way they're presented here.
As I've stated previously, The Lacs know their audience very well, and that comes across in their music. While I appreciate them knowing their audience, I just don't think this particular album is for me. If you're a country music fan who just wants to get away from all the pains of life, then this album is for you. I'm a fan of country music, and while I definitely use music as an escape from my problems, this album just wasn't for me.
Honestly though, I didn't hate it.
In conclusion: The Lacs show hard work and no signs of slowing down on their latest effort, and while it doesn't appeal to me personally, it definitely has a particular audience who will love it. I encourage you to listen to it for yourself to decide if you are a part of that audience.
Favorite songs: Stomp; God Bless A Country Girl; Back to Georgia (feat. Craig Campbell)