Bucky's album track by track

[Drew Lipski]

Bucky's album track by track
As promised, a more in-depth look at Bucky's self-titled debut album. Overall, as I said in the official review, his singing is fine. He was never a bad singer on Idol, but at times he sounded pretty lackluster; here, thanks to the aid and comforts of the recording studio, he sounds optimum, with rawness where called for, sensitivity at the right times, and a demonstrable commitment to the material.

Which may be a bit more than some of the material deserves. It's right in the commercial comfort zone, but (again somewhat repeating what I said in the other review) the images often border on cliche and the music sometimes fails to compel. Production-wise, the guitar-playing smokes, but there are times when gospel choruses and strings make the songs sag.

Track by track comments follow.

American Friday Night: Sets a recurrent theme of good-old-boy rural-life nostalgia, which may reflect Bucky's background but also forms the subject matter for every third song you hear on a country album these days. So if the song itself isn't gripping (this one comes close with its rock edge, but falls short), it becomes a little too familiar. Plugs ZZ Top and Domino's Pizza, for what it's worth.

A Different World: The single, and I'm liking it better musically in the context of the album. A bit lush in the production, but a likable song, if one better suited to a sour old coot in the 50+ demographic than someone who just came off of American Idol.

I'll Walk: Only in country music do you get tearjerkers built on clever wordplay like this. Some people can't stand 'em, but I'm fascinated by the structure and the songwriting artistry (or, if you prefer, contrivances). Built around the title declaration, the song has, in the first verse, the female protagonist saying she'll walk home after a fight with the singer; then, after a speeding car deprives her of the use of her legs, she declares in the second verse that she'll walk again someday; finally, in the last verse, she looks up from her wheelchair as her daddy prepares to walk her down the aisle to be wed to the singer, and says -- you guessed it -- "I'll walk." Leaves you wrung out for sure.

Back When We Were Gods: Nostalgia for the good old high school days, but merely a routine rocker.

Ain't No Thing: A dull, overlong, overproduced rocker that's almost saved by an impassioned guitar solo.

I'm Good: More clever wordplay, attached to a sprightly Southern pop tune that reminds me a little of Arthur Alexander's oldie (the hit was by Steve Alaimo) Every Day I Have to Cry.

Empty Handed: A morality tale that's probably the best rocker on the record.

Hometown: A bucolic, nostalgic reverie that sort of lulled me to sleep.

It's Good to Be Us: Promising, rockin' celebration of carefree, penniless youth (cf. Back When We Were Gods) that's let down by a strictly ordinary chorus.

Carolina Blue: Fond reminiscence about the girl the singer left behind in Carolina when he went to Hollywood. Sounds like a future single; strictly assembly-line country.

The Bible and the Belt: Tribute to the educational value of scriptures, gospel singing and corporal punishment, the second of which threatens to overpower a fairly slight rocker.

Overall grade: Still sticking with the 2 1/2 stars out of four.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatte...m_tr.html#more

[pick_pickler23]

I finally got my autographed copy in the mail yesterday!

I just started listening to it so I'll post what I think of the overall album when I'm done.

I've heard "American Friday Night" and "A Different World" on Bucky's MySpace so I already know I like those songs.

Now I have to say Bucky isn't the best singer in the world, but I do like the country/rocker voice he seems to have.

[pick_pickler23]

I just listened to the album. I do have to give Bucky credit...it's pretty good considering he came in 8th last season on idol! I like his country/rocker voice and he sings from his heart...althouugh I do agree with the above article a bit.

There are 1 too many guitar solos and some of it was "trying too hard to be a rocker," but's it's not hald bad!

I love Bucky and he put out a pretty decent first album.

[werss]

I'd give it 4/5 stars. Some songs stand out a lot more than others though.

[pick_pickler23]

Originally Posted by werss

I'd give it 4/5 stars. Some songs stand out a lot more than others though.

I definitely agree with you, Clay! I'd have to say the first 3 songs plus "Empty Handed" and "Carolina Blue" are my overall favorites.

I give a little more credit than the review did, though. It makes it seem that the album is worse than it is but it's actually not that bad.

[werss]

Yeah... it's not a bad cd defn.