Album Review: Jason Michael Carrol's Waitin' in the Country

Artist: Jason Michael Carroll
Title: Waitin' In the Country
Release Date: February 6, 2007
Label: Arista Nashville

Newcomer Jason Michael Carroll's debut CD "Waitin' In the Country" brings back a sound reminiscent of early material from guys like Rhett Akins, Trace Adkins, and Tracy Lawrence. If you like country, you'll love this.

Jason's music first caught my ear this past December when the first single, "Alyssa Lies", was released to radio. From the first time I heard the song, I knew this guy was destined for country stardom, and if the CD sales are to be believed, I wasn't wrong. Though "Alyssa Lies", a song about child abuse and what can happen when no one steps in to put a stop to it, is definitely a dark song, this isn't the theme of the rest of the CD. This song, however, is one every father should listen to at least a couple times. I'm not a man who's easily moved to tears, but this one definitely had that effect.

The rest of the CD is a great mix of up-tempo love songs, a couple really nice ballads, and even some good old-fashioned honkytonk party tunes. Jason has a style that's all his own, but has a voice that can remind you of the depth of Trace Adkins, and the soulful sounds of Rhett Akins and Tracy Lawrence.

The musicianship on the CD is also very good. It's straight-ahead country without a hint of the poppy sound that has been prevalent in country music for so many years. We're talking steel guitars, some fiddle, the works. It's traditional-sounding enough to appeal to a Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings fan, but modern enough to appeal to the Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley crowd as well.

Personal favorites include "Waitin' In the Country", "Sleep When I'm Dead", and "My Honkytonk Friends", which is sure to become a country music anthem on radio and in any smoke-filled bars around the nation. However, the absolute best song on the CD is a duet with Jewel called "No Good In Goodbye". Having been a Jewel fan since the "Pieces of You" CD first came out, but having been slightly disappointed in her last couple releases, hearing this song gave me some hope for her future albums. Who knew Jewel could be a very good country singer? It's the best work she's done in about five years, and she and Jason blend beautifully. The song is a great break-up/make-up song and is sure to become a favorite of both Jason and Jewel fans alike, and a sure number one if released to radio as a single.

If you're a country music fan looking for something that sounds less like pop and more like country, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of "Waitin' in the Country" and listen for yourself. Expect Jason Michael Carroll to be around for a long time, putting out great music.