Customer Reviews

Chris Knight

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is everything that today's county music is not.

Unfortunately, it is everything that today's country music should be.

Chris Knight's debut is direct, honest, literate, heartfelt and brutal.

He pulls no punches, whether talking about a stubborn man (It Ain't Easy Being Me), a farmer losing his farm (House and 90 Acres), a dying love (Something Changed), a prostitute finding love (Love and a .45) or criminals (William, Framed).

He weaves tales that have no way out and no happy conclusions. They challenge the listener to not be what his characters have become. And unlike other country-pop stars, not only are all the songs his own, they are heart-wrenchingly filled with emotion. Rather than singing universal songs about love, he sings an individual one in "Love and a .45." He sings of a prostitute that is roughed up and road-tested and a cop that loses a love (One day he came home/And she was gone). Each come to the realization that "Love and a .45 are all you need to get through the night/ One will kill you and one will keep you alive." In that common ground, the cop and the prostitute come together.

In a story too risky for a McGraw or a Brooks and Dunn, Chris Knight sings in the vein of Johnny Cash. He is a new breed of outlaw, one that sings about the not-so-happy ending. That is why he may be the most important country musician around, too bad no one knows about him.

Chris Knight's self-titled debut is the best c/d you've never heard. While "country" dosen't exactly fit the content, it will unfortunately be pigeon-holed into that sweeping genre. More aptly described as "American" music, in the vein of Mellankamp or Earle, this is a beautifully crafted collection of stories rooted in the south and mid-west. Professionally produced and a crackerjack band make this one of the most listenable and radio friendly c/d's I've heard. Unfortunate, the Dixie Chicks are being nominated for Grammys and this guy can't get air time. And they say God dosen't have a cruel sense of humor.

Why people don't already know who Chris Knight is when I first play this for them is beyond me. If for no other reason, buy this cd for the song "William". It's a heartbreaking story with realism to spare(sample: For what it's worth now, William/I know you could have had a heart of gold/but I don't think you ever knew you had one/I don't think you were ever told"). It should be mentioned that there are at least ten other tracks that make this a must-have. Knight is an absolutely brilliant storyteller whose lyrics and rough voice take you effortlessly through landscapes of tragedy, regret & love. He possesses a sense of humor and wit that will instantly endear him to you. This is Americana personified! It's country that is powerful enough to reach across genres to ensnare other kinds of fans. Do yourself a favor...buy this! Kudos to the mayor of Sorryville.

This CD is an instant Classic. Chris Knight will join John Prine, Todd Snider, Robert Earle Keen, Steve Earle, and Pat Green in my inner circle. His music seems a little too focused on truck drivers and farmers but I loved it just the same. I can't say that his two follow-up CDs affected me in the same way, but this one is one for the ages. "The Hammer Going Down" is my favorite song and I can't wait to hear it live and in person ... encore?

I was extremely impressed when I first heard Chris Knight's "Framed". I had to go out and get this album. This disc is probably the best example of alt-country out there that I know of. The major highlights of this album are the catchy opener "It Ain't Easy Being Me," "Framed," the troubled story of "William," the monumental "The River's Own," and my favorite cut, "Love and a .45." Now that Whiskeytown is no longer together, Chris Knight steps into my book as the reigning king of pure Americana, straight from the heart. Buy this. You definitely won't regret it. (I also recommend Whiskeytown's "Stranger's Almanac" and John Hiatt's "Crossing Muddy Waters.")

This has become one of my favorite CD's; with Framed, Summer of '75, and House and 90 Acres being my personal favorite tracks. There are about ten good songs on this CD for those who don't buy for just one track (I don't). If you like Robert Earl Keen or Charlie Robison you'll love Chris Knight.

I love this record. Chris is an excellent songwriter and vocalist. The record has depth and soul. The songs reach out and touch you. At times, reminiscent of Steve Earl (not to shabby), this young country artist crafted a debut record that is far superior to the crap that dominates country radio and whoever the up and coming country artist du jour might be. In a just world, this is a platinum record and everyone knows Chris Knight. Favorite songs are It Ain't Easy Being Me, Framed, The Hammer Going Down and The River's Own.

This feels good. Far from all the clinical clean productions, we have here an honest, real country album, talkin' about friends, life, hometowns, farms, sins, murder, cops. Sung with all the honesty and frankness of someone who knows what he's talkin' about. He seems to have lived everyone of these songs. The lightest song on this CD is "Summer Of '75" but it still fits perfectly in this effort. The most rock song here is "Hammer Goin' Down" with excellent guitar pieces. If you like this genre, better hurry to grab this album because you know what happens with artists like this, they disappear way too early because they don't fit in the usual Nashville productions.

Undeniably one the best records that has ever come out of Music City. It's a cryin' shame that not many people took the time to slow down long enough to listen to this gifted singer/songwriter. It's sad to think that someone who really has something to say...can't be heard...especially on today's cookie-cutter radio.

This self titled debut is without doubt worthy of everyone's collection - just like everyone should own at least one Elvis disc, so should everyone own this. Sharp, to the point lyrics sung by a guy you've just got to hope stays in a business that at the moment doesn't give the right credit to the right people. This isn't a manufactured country artist like the charts are filled with, so give him a go. Every record on this disc is a classic, each it's own story that'll grab you. The only guy who even comes close to being as good as Chris Knight in the last ten years is Billy Montana, so do yourselves a favour and buy this disc. In these days of teeny-bop manufactured country stars you can't go wrong.