Prime Cuts: As Easy as Our Blessings, Speed of Flight, Till I Was a Daddy Too

Career suicide is the result when an artist's personal life overshadows his ability to churn out hits. Anger mismanagement and spousal abuse leading to his gnarly divorce and a censurable suspension of his recording project are definitely not ways to curry country radio's morally supercilious favor. Further, with the folding of Atlantic Records into Warner Brothers, Lawrence has not had a top 10 hit since 2004's "Paint Me a Birmingham." Never one to allow his faux pas to hold him down, Lawrence has set up his own label and "For the Love" is the result. Though lead single "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" has caused a blimp on the charts rising up to the modest 26th position, the album itself has fared even better dropping in at number 6 on Billboard country chart. Nevertheless, any new music from Tracy Lawrence is quite an event. Lavishing in emotional details and rich in their melodious textures, "For the Love" is a fine return to form for the once-troubled singer.

Lawrence is at his best when he allows his songs to draw from life's most penetrating moments. "Till I Was a Daddy Too," for instance, is a revealing ballad with Lawrence confessing perspicuity to his father's affection after becoming a father himself. Lawrence's delivery of this heart-wrenching ballad is an A-plus--one copious in honesty and vulnerability. Recalling his hit "I See It Now," "Speed of Flight" harkens the same sentiment of heartbreak as the unspoken affection of the protagonist has had forced his paramour to depart in a "speed of flight." Moreover, the fact that this is also Lawrence's solo composition is this ballad's further treat. Conversely, "As Easy as Our Blessings" finds a wizened-up Lawrence not willing to take for granted the propitiations that life brings. Delivered over a warm and inspirationally nuanced melody "As Easy as Our Blessings" may easily become an anthem for countless families over Thanksgiving.

Even on the up-tempoes, Lawrence is not one given in to emotional frivolity. On the vanguard single, "Find Out What Your Friends Are," Lawrence makes it clear that superficiality in friendships will not suffice. For Lawrence, a friend is one who "drops everything" and helps you when your car is stuck in a ditch; someone who'll be there "when the weather isn't fair and when the well runs dry." With such declaration of arduous devotion, no wonder Lawrence has such friends in high places i.e., Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney as they join him on the same version of the same song at the album's end. However, not everything is that emotionally hefty, "You Can't Hide Redneck" is one of those overdone self-deprecating rockers while "Rock and a Soft Place" over uses the rock motif that it comes across as trite.

With the tracks produced by longtime associates of Lawrence, Flip Anderson and Julian King coupled with the fact that the songs are garnered from Lawrence's trusted horde of writers (e.g., Larry Boone, Paul Nelson, Ed Hill and Mark Nesler), it looks like Lawrence does not just sings about devotion. Rather, he comes across as a man de facto with the words he sings. Hence, whether Lawrence is singing about friendship or paternal love or romantic affections, he comes across transparently as one who sings from the fabric of his heart. In a genre of pretenses, Tracy Lawrence is the real deal.

This is another spectacular album from a truly gifted, and under appreciated Country Artist! Tracy Lawrence is what REAL Country music is all about, and what it should strive to be like! Tracy's vocals have never been finer, and his true fans, as well as newcomers to his music, will both be pleased! Welcome back, Tracy, and keep on makin' us happy! This is one SUPERB piece of work! "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" is destined to be a classic, it will just touch your heart! Give it a listen!!!

Tracy has out done himself on this CD. Most of the time there are a few songs I don't care for but I really love the whole CD. Find Out Who Your Friends Are is a great song. ( I like the version with Tracy singing by himself the best) My fav song is Your Why God Made Me. I preordered the CD and have already bought a few for family and friends. Everyone who enjoys true country music needs this one in their collection. Way to go Tracy....

As Always since the first time I saw Tracy in concert in Houston, TX at the Arena Theatre back in 1994-95 I have loved every album he has made. He is one of those individuals that has a unique voice/sound.

As with all other albums its hard to decide which ones I like the best.

I just bought this album last night, and right now, I seriously love #6 Speed of Flight, #9-You're Why God Made Me, #5 As Easy as Our Blessings, #11 Find Out Who Your Friends Are..... This is an awesome album, and I am going to see him in concert tomorrow at the KILT Cinco Country...

Kathy

I have been a Tracy Lawrence fan forever, and each time I hear him sing I am amazed at how he continues to turn out songs that are truly the best. This cd is no exception. His songs are reflective of what TRUE country music sounds like. He is a man who stays true to his roots, and that is evident in his selection of material. Listening to Tracy is second best to seeing him perform live.