Time may march on for all of us, but if you’re a ’90s country fan, it is standing still right now. That’s because one of the biggest breakthrough artists from that era is taking us back to the Good Ole Days with his new album and he’s bringing along some old friends for the ride. Thirteen friends to be exact. Thirteen friends who also happen to be some of the biggest names in country music (and one in rock).
Tracy Lawrence just released his first studio album in four years and it may be his best yet. It also may be exactly what country music is so desperately craving right now. In a world that’s been dominated the last few years by shallow lyrics and over produced mixes, Lawrence reminds us all that deep stories and raw emotion still exist. And it’s making a strong comeback. It’s hard to believe that he’s been doing it since “Sticks and Stones” raced up the charts all the way back in 1991 (We’re hoping his 2017 version with Luke Bryan gets a reboot and some serious airplay). Since then, songs like “Alibis”, “Stars Over Texas” and “Paint Me A Birmingham” have garnered Lawrence 18 #1s and 13 million records sold. Not bad for a guy who moved to Nashville with $700 in his pocket.
And as any true entertainer knows you quickly, and sometimes painfully, find out who your friends are in this business. (See what we did there?!) Lucky for Lawrence, he has some good ones. Take Tim McGraw for instance. McGraw leads off with his sultry rendition of “Time Marches On” that will literally have you hitting repeat—repeatedly. And it only gets better from there. Justin Moore’s “Alibis” couldn’t have been any more suited for his traditionally strong country voice—a voice that gets way too little attention in Nashville land. Young gun Dustin Lynch blew us away with his cover of “Texas Tornado” and “Paint Me A Birmingham” almost feels like it was illustrated particularly for Easton Corbin. Kellie Pickler hangs the moon with her sweet, Southern charm when she duets with Lawrence on “Stars Over Texas”. Opry’s newest member Chris Young brings a rebellious, rocky feel to “If the Good Die Young” while Jason Aldean definitely got it through our heads why he is the current ACM Entertainer of the Year with “I Just Can’t Break It To My Heart.” And “Hurricane” Luke Combs will have you believing he lived every word of “If the World Had a Front Porch” because he probably did. Wherein lies the magic spells of Tracy Lawrence. These songs tell stories, evoke memories, and stand the test of time. And so does Lawrence’s voice so let’s not let the guest stars take the spotlight completely. Lawrence’s smooth, effortless vocals dance elegantly on top of the perfectly produced instrumentals so kudos to the studio musicians, engineers and producer Julian King.
And if that’s not enough to make you open your iTunes app or run to Walmart right now, there are two new songs!!! The title track, “Good Ole Days,” shares the stage with none other than Big & Rich and Brad Arnold from Three Doors Down. If this catchy, sing along tune doesn’t scream radio smash, we don’t know what does! And no ending seems more fitting than Lawrence’s powerful and poignant duet with Craig Morgan. “Finally Home” was recorded for the men and women who risk everything for our freedom, and was even featured in an Opry performance by Lawrence and Morgan a few months back.
I’ve walked into the line of fight
Seen the loss and cost of sacrifice
After all the distant roads that I’ve been on
I’m finally home.
I’m finally home
Lawrence has never forgotten nor abandoned his down to earth, Arkansas country boy roots and that’s why fans, and the industry, both love him. In fact, we caught up with Tracy a few weeks ago to talk about the album (watch the interview here) and to find out more about his 12th annual Turkey Fry coming up November 21, 2017 in Nashville.
Lawrence and a team of friends and volunteers will fry more than 500 donated turkeys at the Nashville Rescue Mission this year in order to ensure that the less fortunate have a warm meal for Thanksgiving and the days to come. Partners like Blue Rhino and LouAnna Oil will be donating supplies, while Sam’s Club will be offering financial support. Since the event’s launch in 2006, Lawrence has fried over 5,600 turkeys which has in turn, provided over 75,000 meals for the homeless. After a morning of food and fellowship, Lawrence will be hosting a benefit concert at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville starting at 7:30. The all star lineup includes friends like Luke Combs and Halfway to Hazard. For more information on the turkey fry, visit www.turkeyfry.org and check out our interview here. And for more info on the Wildhorse concert with Tracy Lawrence and friends, look up www.tracylawrence.com.
TL is not going anywhere anytime soon and we are not complaining! In a career that has spanned over two decades and garnered accolades and mad respect from fans and colleagues, Tracy Lawrence just proved that the “Good Ole Days” are making a good ole comeback!