tchoate's Full Review: Tough All Over by Gary Allan
I am not sure why Gary Allan doesn’t get more recognition for his ability to put out a good album and some really great videos. It seems as if he is always forgotten on any of the Country Music Awards shows, no awards, no performances and yet one album after another this singer puts out really great music. His latest album Tough All Over is no exception.
Gary Allan sings each song as if it was written especially for him. His voice has what I would call a raspy, sexiness to it. He is a different kind of performer than George Strait, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. He does his own brand of country and I for one think it works for him.
The Tracks
Tough All Over is the title track to this album. It is a little bit of an upbeat tune that was a great song to start off this album with. This song has a mix of guitar and harmonica that will make you want to listen to this song more than once.
Best I Ever Had is the first single released off this album and one of the prettiest songs on this album. This song showcases Gary’s voice and has him telling about a lost love that was the Best I Ever Had. This video is currently on CMT and GAC and is a great video to watch.
I Just Got Back From Hell this song was co-written by Gary and Harley Allen. Gary’s wife committed suicide and this song seems to be his outlet for what he has been feeling. The lyrics really tell the story,
Well, I just got back from hell
And I guess to tell the truth
Well, I’ve been mad at everyone, including God and you
When you can’t find no one to blame you just blame yourself.
Rings is not one of the best songs on the album, but it is probably the most country sounding song on this album. A medium tempo song that I just can’t seem to be able to say that I like.
Promise Broken this song is a really great song to just sit back and listen to the words to. We have all felt as if we have been a Promise Broken at one time in our lives. A slow song that is another one of my favorites off this album.
Nickajack Cave there is a small written explanation to this song in the jacket cover; “Every man has to come to a crossroad somewhere along the way. Johnny Cash came to his crossroad in a place called Nicajack Cave.” This tells about the day Johnny Cash came to that place where he knew drugs and alcohol had to go for him to live. Nice song and a great choice for this album.
Life Ain’t Always Beautiful this is a beautiful slow song that talks about life is not always easy but you have to keep going. This is another song that gives you the feeling that Gary is using music to deal with the loss of this wife. Be sure to give this a listen!
He Can’t Quit Her is another song on the album that I could have done without, but it is still worth a listen. It has more of a country rock sound to it, but Gary pulls it off.
What Kind of Fool is another song that is a medium speed song that talks about why a man wouldn’t want this beautiful woman at the bar. Gary uses his raspy, sexy voice in this song that will make you want to listen again and again.
Puttin Memories Away is another song co-written by Gary on this album. This song is a slow song that talks about how hard it is to put memories away after losing someone you love. This is the best song on the album. I hope he releases this as a single. This song showcases the band and Gary Allen’s writing abilities.
No Damn Good is little more upbeat and tells the story of the ending of a marriage. The lyrics to this song get to all the feelings people have when a marriage is over. Great tempo song and once again Gary co-wrote this song and it definitely shows.
Putting My Misery On Display was written by Gary Allan and once again showcases his writing talents along with his great singing voice. This is another song that I hope is released as a single from this album. It tells of a man who even though he is heartbroken still goes on each night and does his shows.
Final Thoughts
I believe in many ways this album was Gary’s way of saying goodbye to his wife and letting everyone know what he has been through the last year. It has to tough to lose anyone you love to suicide and Gary has shown class through it all. Each song on this album tells a story and each and every one need to be listened to. This is one of the best albums that Gary Allan has recorded and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves, but I also hoped that it helped him to heal from his terrible loss.
If you like Gary Allan, then run, don’t walk and purchase this album. If you have never listened to Gary then this would also be a good place to start. He definitely shows his abilities not only as a singer, but as a songwriter on this album.
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