Bowen, Wade : Wade Bowen

Wade Bowen has done it again. My own personal most anticipated album of the year arrived at my door early Tuesday evening, and the wait had been well worth it.Bowen is a master singer and songwriter and this album is yet another showcase of his extraordinary talent.The album kicks off with the lead single from the album, "When I Woke Up Today," I reviewed the single back in early September and gave it great praise. My praise now is even higher having heard how it fits with the entire album. Unlike many mainstream artists, Bowen knows how to do uptempo songs without turning them into rock, and that's what this song does. It kicks off the album with a feel-good up-tempo beat.Bowen also showcases his willingness to delve into different styles and grooves. "My California" and even more-so with "Welcome Mat," have a very different vibe to them, but it also never feels like a deviation from the roots of Bowen's music or his country style.This is the kind of album where I'm hesitant to list "standout tracks," largely because every track stands out in its own way. These aren't just rehashed versions of previous recordings; they aren't repeated versions of themselves. Each song is unique and individual. And while there are one or two that I may find myself less likely to put on repeat than others, I can't claim to dislike any of them.Bowen also has some incredible talent joining him on the album. From Vince Gill to Sarah Buxton, to other Texas Country favorites Sean McConnell, Randy Rogers, and Cody Canada (of Cross Canadian Ragweed), Bowen has pulled out all the stops to make this album.And he's succeeded.FOLLOW OPINIONS, NEWS, AND COMMENTARY AT HOPEFORCOUNTRYMUSIC.WEEBLY.COM

I am a fan of Bowen and his quest to keep country music sounding like country music. I was excited for this release and I am not disappointed. Here are some of my highlights: 'Hungover' is one of my favorite songs on this album. It accurately describes how you feel the morning after a big fight or a breakup. The melody and the words are spot-on. Huge thumbs up for this track!'When It's Reckless' has a driving beat and hey, who doesn't like it when it's reckless!?! This is fighting with 'Hungover' as my favorite song on this album.'I'm Gonna Go' carries the message that uncertainty abounds, failures happen, go forward anyway! Pair this message with an invigorating rhythm and it just makes you want to get up and go!'Sweet Leona'... As a female, you just want to be Leona.'Honky Tonk Road' has a great vibe. Bowen is joined by Randy Rogers, Cody Canada and Sean McConnel for this collaboration and its one of those songs that you just crank up and sing along to, preferably when driving.The other songs on this album are praise-worthy as well. If you like honky-tonk, outlaw country or music in general, you will enjoy this album.

This is really a fantastic album. I've listened to it twice a day since I bought it (as I bought the CD with AutoRip, I've actually been listening to it since before I got the hard copy). I wish I had some witty bit of criticism to offer. I don't. It's just an incredibly pleasant album by a man with a pleasant voice. It's really that simple. Everything's catchy as heck, even if it's something that should be more cliched than anything else--like the lead-off single and first song on the album that's really a parade of cliches (he passes a wedding and then a funeral procession in short order) but somehow manages to rise above that and be enjoyable. There's just not a bad song on the album, though there are a handful of really excellent songs ("My California", "Watch Her Drive", & "West Texas Rain" for starters, though "Hungover" is very nearly on that level for me). Pretty much, every good thing you have heard about this album is absolutely correct and it's a must-buy even if, like me, you've never bought a Wade Bowen album before.

By far one of my favorite artists. His music transcends different genres and is in it's own category. This cd is simply great. This cd comes with autoRIP which is a GREAT amazon feature. This allows you to immediately download this cd to the amazon music app on your phone and play it. Listening to this on my Bluetooth stereo in my truck with great speakers, there are so many guitar licks and crisp sounds on this album that simply amaze me. Great engineering, mixing, and amazing song writing, Wade!

great service and i enjoyed the cd,,

You how on some albums you have 2 or 3 songs that you really like, so you put those on your play list, and ignore the rest of the album forever? This isn't one of those albums. This is probably the best Wade Bowen release so far, and it's incredibly solid. Put it in the rotation in your car or truck, roll down the windows, and let it fly!

This is a GREAT Wade Bowen album!

I'm a huge fan, and not sure how I overlooked this one until now but it might be my favorite . Love his gravelly voice and mellow sound. Excellent cd.

Texas country with a modern slant - worth investigating