Rodney Atkins Reviewed
Rodney Atkins
If You’re Going Through Hell
(Curb)
The title track to this collection has been inescapable on country radio all summer, but what about the rest of Rodney Atkins’ game?
Well Atkins sure plans on putting you through his ringer if you’re going to get to his hit, which is situated last on this 10-track outing. Inspirational to a hilt, the title tune (written by a team not including him) upbeatly pushes the idea of “If you’re going through hell . . . keep going.” His hand isn’t quite so steady when it comes to penning his own material. He bows to the white-trash exultation fad sweeping Nashville with “About The South,” pieced together his kindergartener’s mantras for “Watching You,” and “Invisibly Shaken” is a somewhat tepid attempt at classic balladry. Hell, even Atkins’ drinking song (“Wasted Whiskey”) is so suburban he turns his keys in at the bar. His husky voice tries to interpret a couple other songs, but relies too much on not breaking the generic mode, consigning his fate to the lightning in a bottle of being handed someone else’s killer work.
–Kevin Keegan
Appearing: September 22nd at Joe’s in Chicago.
If it’s not the Waco Brother’s or wilco IE will diss it!!! When will you begin to understand that PEOPLE LIKE MODERN COUNTRY MUSIC!!! Here’s a little intreasting Statistic for you to wrap your head around…
WUSN 3.4 share for the summer 9th place
Nearest “Rock” station that the writers at IE might like
WXRT 2.2 share for the summer 21st place
Why not just give country music a fair shake. I’m not asking you to love it, i’m just saying to you and the rest of the Chicago media “try and understand it before you judge it”
Very rarely have i read a good review (or even a fair review) of anything in the modern country style. There is lot’s of good stuff out there but you never say word one about it. Too bad.