Zac Brown Band - Album Review

[Uncle Buck]

Zac Brown Band's "The Foundation"

I rarely rave about an album or artist... but some finds are worth sharing. It's a 2008 release, so it may not be 'new' to some of you, but it's new to me. I picked this album up (downloaded it) a few days ago after hearing "Toes" on one of Comcast's digital music channels. It's already bidding to become one of my "10 CDs to have on a desert island". They've packed a variety of country style songs on a single album, and never drop the ball. This doesn't feel like a first album — more like a 2nd or 3rd project after getting fired-up by a successful tour. You can put this entire album on repeat and not feel the need to skip to the next track. The Zac Brown Band is definitely a group to keep an eye on.

(Note: I have not read any critics' reviews or explanations regarding the songs on this album. The descriptions below are entirely my own interpretation of each song... and may not be what was intended by the artist. I mention similar-sounding songs by other artists only as a reference.)

1. Toes
"iAdios and vaya con dios!" A vacation song about leaving the mainland and heading down to Mexico... (or the FL Keys, Bahamas, wherever). Similar country-island vibe as Kenny Chesney's Guitars and Tiki Bars; No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem; and Alan Jackson's It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere.

2. Whatever It Is
A feel good, medium paced, modern love song about finding a woman who possesses that unexplainable quality which makes her a perfect match.

3. Where the Boat Leaves From
Another upbeat "getting away from things" song. Has the slight reggae beat of Kenny Chesney's island-country style. A few verses remind me of Belle Star's classic Iko Iko. (My grandma and yu grandma, sittin by da fiya...)

4. Violin Intro to Free
(the title describes it)

5. Free
James Taylor meets Alan Jackson (the more serious side). A smooth flowing traveling song about a couple enjoying a road trip through the country.

6. Chicken Fried
Modern country sound talkin' about good 'ole wholesome southern roots and the value of the simple things in life. The theme is similar to Alan Jackson's Chattahoochee and Kenny Chesney's Summertime.

7. Mary
A fast paced "what do I need to do to win you back" country song with quick picking, violins, and a rhythm that could have been sampled from a steam locomotive speeding down the tracks. The old Osborne Brothers' song Rocky Top Tennessee comes to mind when I hear this one.

8. Different Kind of Fine
A funky rock-a-billy beat with country style violins and electric guitar riffs. This could have easily been a Darryl Worley or Brad Paisley song.

9. Highway 20 Ride
A thoughtful ballad from a divorced father's point of view, regarding the long drive he takes to see his child. A somewhat melancholy subject with a not-too-slow pace and pleasant vocal harmonies that'll invite you to sing along.

10. It's Not OK
A tale about self-control. Quick tempo, humorous, fast-talking narrative revealing a guy's inner thoughts about a street bum — and then how he chooses to interact with him. The lyrical style is similar to Johnny Cash's A Boy Named Sue, but with quick country picking and a one minute multi-instrument bridge at about the 2:25 mark that displays the talents of the entire band.

11. Jolene
Mix the vibe of the Black Crow's She Talks to Angels, Little Feat's Willing, and the Allman Brother's Melissa... add a story about a lost love from the viewpoint of a guy finally realizing what he had after he lost her... and what you get is a well-rounded soulful ballad that feels like it came from an older, more experienced band.

12. Sic 'Em On A Chicken
A fun, upbeat, bright-pickin' ditty about an ornery chicken. Yep, a mean old barnyard chicken that beats up a dog, the neighbor's kid, and ends up as a pot pie! hahaha The tempo and melody feels like Jim Croce's Rapid Roy and Jerry Reed's East Bound and Down (the Somkey & the Bandit theme song).


Additional songs on the "Deluxe" album version from the iTunes store...

Martin (Live)
Mellow homage to an honest man who has lived a hard life, of whom the songwriter has a great deal of respect for.

Let It Go (Live)
This one has a Dave Matthews Band feel to it. Mostly upbeat with a strong ending. It seems to be about a son remembering the lessons his departed father taught him. It's not a tear-jerker by any means. More of a "looking back on the good memories" type of song. It just happens to be a very timely song for me since I recently lost my father, and find myself looking back on all the things I learned from him.

If you have any interest in fresh modern country music, do yourself a favor and check out the Zac Brown Band! -->UB

[Relentless33]

[Uncle Buck]

Hey... I invite everyone to recommend a stellar album or artist... especially if it's relatively new. BUT ONLY if you can honestly offer a soup-to-nuts review of the entire album. I'm talkin' about albums that are 90%+. Good songwriting, production, and playability. It doesn't really matter what genre. Zac Brown Band has been one of the rare gems I've come across that excels on all levels. (and I'm not a dedicated country fan!)

[quack quack]

I have been a fan for months now!LOL My kids love the album as well. They love the chicken songs!!! It is a great album for sure.

[Nick C]

Gonna lay in the hot sun and roll a big fat one.... then grab my guitar and play....

Nov 14th in Boca. Sword tournament and Zac Brown in the same day....! Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!

[quack quack]

The senoritas don't care-o when there's no dinero
I got no money to stay
Adios and vaya con dios

[Uncle Buck]

I'm kinda hoping the tournament is postponed a week. Are you going to the concert Nick? Looks like only general admission is available. I may go. It's only a few minutes from my home.

[Uncle Buck]

Just bought 8 tix, and so did my brother. Gonna be a fun concert! I'll see ya there Nick! Hopefully we'll have some FRESH sword steaks to tailgate with! hahaha

[Disco Lady]

!Adios and vaya con dios! have fun UB I love that guy too.


DL,

[JT]

Buck, what a review. You should work for Rolling Stone mag...

[sammythebu11]

here is a video of the "early years":
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