Well, let me just say that a cd has to be one of two things for me to blog about it on this board. It either has to be really really bad or really really good. This one is definitely the latter! I happen to love country music that talks about real life and that comes from the heart and there is no singer in the world who is better at delivering this kind of music than Trace Adkins. I have been a constant fan of Trace Adkins for the past 10 years but this may be his best material yet. This CD has some fun upbeat songs including Sweet, Marry For Money, Hillbilly Rich, Hauling One Thing, and Better Than I Thought It'd Be. But where Mr. Adkins has always shined the brightest is on the ballads and some of the best that he's ever done are on this CD. These include the somewhat biographical Happy To Be Here, All I Pray For Anymore, Till The Last Shot's Fired (One of my favorites), I Can't Out Run You (What can i say, the man has an awesome voice and the sparse setting fits it just right), Sometimes A Man Takes A Drink (Love this song and Mr. Adkins has definitely experienced this struggle and sings it with such emotion!), and the lead off single Muddy Water (Not only another great ballad, but it reminds me of Traces Gospel Music roots).

Summary
If there is any justice, Trace will have a lot of success with this CD. This has some great fun upbeat songs and some of the best ballads of Trace Adkins career. If you are a true Trace Adkins fan and you like your music raw and real buy this CD, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!

I just purchased this CD today and listened to it in its entirety. Trace continues to impress and I think this is his best yet. So many touching ballads on this CD and songs that moved me to tears. His big, deep voice touches your heart and soul and he knows how to deliver a lyric in a big way. Keep the songs coming Trace, you are truly one of a kind.

Like many others, I'm a big fan of Trace's "You're Gonna Miss This". There are some more great songs on X that are refreshingly different. "All I Ask For Anymore" is a nice ballad about family, which Trace says is his favorite ballad he's ever done. He deals largely with songs about tough times such as "I Can't Out Run You", which is an acoustic song that is well done and haunting...with just piano and cello to go along with vocals.

"Till the Last Shot's Fired" is a powerful song that might be the highlight of the album. It's kind of a follow-up to "Arlington" - a somber solute to the Troops at War - and featuring the West Point Cadet Choir in the last chorus. The lyrics and music really are haunting and strong, and hit you like a bullet to the heart - especially the last chorus. You really have to listen to this prayer for peace to understand...it will most likely give you chills. Such a powerful and touching song that will effect countless amount of people.

The song that hits me the most is "Happy To Be Here"...a tune that Trace did not originally plan on including in this Album. It speaks of near death experiences, and how he is so blessed to still be alive. "Wrapped in Your loving arms, just like an answered prayer". It's a very touching song - and one that should be a big hit - because it is a song that many people can relate to. I know I can...and the lyrics really put our lives on earth into perspective - we should all just be happy to be alive, forget our little problems, and live every moment like it might be our last.

I see that this CD is getting great reviews, and I am a Trace Adkins fan, but I was totally disappointed. I couldn't find a single song that I enjoyed, and am very sorry I bought it. I'll just stick with the other CD's he done and toss this one out.

Here's hoping they single "I can't outrun you". It is simply one of the best songs written...and sung. This will cement Trace as one of the BEST. It should help sell many records.....