Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 7, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Nashville
• ASIN: B004T4YA8G
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,570 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Singer in a Cowboy Band

2. I Don't Dance

3. Your Kind of Love

4. How Far to Waco

5. Once

6. Cost of Livin'

7. Bleed Red

8. Last Love I'm Tryin'

9. Let the Cowboy Rock

10. I Can't Help Myself

11. I Just Get Lonely

12. Love Owes Me One

Editorial Reviews

2011 debut solo album by the Country singer/songwriter best known as half of multi-million selling duo Brooks & Dunn. For Dunn and for all the fans he earned along the way, this deeply felt new effort has been a long time coming. In many ways, Ronnie Dunn is literally the album of a lifetime for the man whose name now gives this remarkable collection of songs its title. The album reflects perhaps the most intense soul searching Ronnie Dunn has ever done as a recording artist -- and as a man too. A famed perfectionist by nature, Dunn admits that he threw himself into the creative process for the album in a very big way as he produced his own solo debut.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Dunn" Deal June 7, 2011

By Timothy Yap TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Audio CD

Prime Cuts: I Don't Dance, Bleed Red, Love Owes Me One

After country duo Brooks and Dunn called it a day, Ronnie Dunn proved that he's not done yet with the release of his self-titled disc just a year or so after their split. Indeed this eponymous release is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. And safe to say this album doesn't disappoint. While the latter Brooks and Dunn releases were a hits and misses, "Ronnie Dunn" is consistently stellar with melodic romps that revved up his redneck credentials as well as power ballads that driver emotions on roller coasters of heartbreak, love and hope. Like his input from his Brook and Dunn days, Dunn has again co-written 9 out of the 12 cuts here with long time cohorts such as Terry McBride, Craig Wiseman and current top Nashville scribe Dallas Davidson. Most winsome is still Dunn's gorgeous vocals--even at the ripe old age of 57, he still possess the tenacity to hold on to notes with aplomb. And the way his voice nuances so much emotions especially on the ballads is something an artist half his age could only dream of doing.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the power ballads here are to die for. Lead single "Bleed Red" is more than a song. It is an epic monster of a power ballad that finds Dunn soaring to heavenly heights and bursting with conciliatory sentimental. This is heavenly stuff as Dunn sings about empathy, forgiveness and reconciliation in a world toxic with divisiveness and prejudice. Aptly clad with some stark guitar licks, the scantily adorned "Cost of Living" finds Dunn on his prophetic soapbox delivering a moving homily of how many have been plagued by the downward spiral of the economy. Dunn's measured and understated delivery here is mesmerizing.... Recapturing the magical moments of some of Brooks and Dunn's finest ballads such as "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone" and "It's Getting Better All the Time," "I Don't Dance" looks like its two stepping into such lofty status. Sung with palpable conviction over a strongly knitted tune "I Don't Dance," an ode to marital faithfulness, is romance in its purest sonic form.

"Love Owes Me One," on the other hand, calls to mind Brooks and Dunn's signature hit "Believe." Brimming with a spiritual undertone and featuring some flourishes of church-like organ, "Love Owes Me One" easily ropes you in to its uplifting message. "Last Love I'm Tryin'" is one of the two songs Dunn wrote single handedly. Though "Last Love" bears some resemblance to "I Don't Dance," it boasts one of Dunn's most passionate performances on disc. As far as the uptempoes are concerned, "How Far to Waco" with its Mexican feel finds Dunn in his wild and wooly spirit. While album opener "Singer in a Cowboy Band," a slick swaggering gonzo strutting piece is actually an apologetic by Dunn reasoning why he is doing what he's doing. Despite its title, "Let the Cowboy Rock," there is nothing Western about it at all. It is a dint of funk that is designed more for the sports bar than the honky tonks.

Without the contribution of Kix Brooks, gone are the more left-of-center quirky narrative numbers such as "Her West was Wilder" or "Texas and Norma Jean." Rather, "Ronnie Dunn" is a focused record calculated towards radio success. And with songs of such top calibre, this album will have legs to stand on the charts for months and months to come. And the slew of hit singles will be copious. This is a tight, well-crafted effort that will push Dunn to continue or even excel the success he has had with Brooks. Read more ›

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars "This is the album I've always wanted to make." June 7, 2011

By A. Gammill VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

That's a quote from Ronnie Dunn on a recent CMT interview. And although I was a little perplexed by the comment prior to hearing this album (What? He didn't enjoy having 20 years of hits with Brooks & Dunn?), I get it now. Because--and this may be hard to get across in a written review--that album just FEELS so natural and right for Dunn's voice. I was also concered by the lead single, "Bleed Red," which I was quick to dismiss as another in a line of well-made but somewhat boring ballads akin to B & D's mega-hit "Believe." And while the song has grown on me, I'm still happy to report that it isn't really representative of the album.

RONNIE DUNN contains quite a few up-tempo bar-ready rockin' country tunes. And that's a good thing. "Let the Cowboy Rock" and "Singer in a Cowboy Band" wouldn't have been out of place on a Brooks & Dunn album. Yet, the difference is in the music. Dunn's band is super-tight, wearing the familiar chords and rhythms like badges of honor. And when he does slow things down, the band offers up classic country music, well-played. Songs like "I Just Can't Help Myself" and "I Don't Dance" could just be future classics. There's even a sidetrip south of the border with "How Far to Waco." Dunn even takes on the economy in the somber "Cost of Livin'", with its uneasy chorus speaking of "Three bucks and change at the pump."

Give this solo debut a try, I think you'll enjoy it.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What an Amazing Voice! June 8, 2011

By Beth Daughety

Format:Audio CD

I've always believed that Ronnie Dunn had one of the greatest voices EVER....and this CD proves it. There are many hauntingly beautiful ballads as well as some honky-tonky tunes. I believe Ronnie is one of the great talents out there. At 57 with many years of singing, traveling, and the on-the-road life, he sounds amazing. I give it 5 stars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ronnie Dunn "Alone" July 20, 2011

By Doris S.

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was forever waiting for Ronnie to put his first single cd out and I can tell you it was worth the wait! While I hated that Brooks and Dunn split up ( still do), I knew Ronnie would do good - and he did, on every song. If you love his voice you will love this cd as I do! I hope in the future that maybe the two can do a duet or two on one of his cd's! That would be awesome! Congratulations Ronnie, on your first solo!
Doris S, in North Carolina

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! July 12, 2011

By Lori Miller

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This album is excellent and really showcases what a great voice Ronnie Dunn has. There isn't one so-so song on it - they are all great! Have always been a huge Brooks & Dunn fan and especially liked their songs that showcased Ronnie's voice and now there is a whole album for that. Love it! I especially like the mariache band on "How Far to Waco" - being a huge Johnny Cash fan I had a "Ring of Fire" flashback as soon as I heard the intro for that song the first time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW July 3, 2011

By Brad

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Yes WOW.
I had to listen to this one a few times before I realized this is a gem.
And you know what? I realized a long time ago that a good cd needs to grow on you. This one does. Every time you listen to it you'll discover new things. Ronnie can be proud!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue-eyed Soul... January 6, 2012

By fisheye

Format:Audio CD

...is what a previous generation would have said about this collection of songs and the singer. Sure, it's country, but so were the Eagles, and Glen Frey has said that he wrote specifically soulful songs for Don Henley, because Henley could deliver that sound. Ronnie Dunn finally has the opportunity to really explore that same musical territory, and he takes the listener to church here. 'Bleed Red' and 'Love Owes me One' are standouts, but this album has no flat spots. Do yourself a favor and buy it. Sit down and really listen. This is the emotional experience that real musical talent and true commitment from the singer can give the listener.