Straight Down Rain

Greg Trooper

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 10, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 20, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Eminent Records
• ASIN: B00005AVQE
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #242,284 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Greg Trooper will never be a big star; hell, he won't even be a small star. Yet, as an everyman roots-rocker, Trooper consistently delivers solid, honest songwriting (good enough to have been covered by Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, and Billy Bragg among others) in his husky but unassuming vocal style. Straight Down Rain, the Nashvillian's fifth studio record, is buttressed by the thick-and-meaty production courtesy of Phil Madeira, who successfully pushes the sonic envelope on a number of occasions. Highlights include the fiddle-and-steel honky-tonker "Real Like That" (featuring Julie Miller's harmonies); the humorous, swampy "Doghouse" (which adds trombone, tuba, and drum loops to the mix); and the pretty, Celtic-tinged "I'm Dreaming" (which adds Maura O'Connell's vocals). With taste and charisma, Trooper manages to put forth another endearing collection that achieves its goals, modest as they may be. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical Nashville artist, September 23, 2001

By	Al Kunz (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Greg Trooper breaks the stereotypes of Nashville songwriters. In "You Love Your Broken Heart" he sings of a lover that won't allow themself to love back. "I'd like to think the time has come/ for ancient wounds to heal/ to shake off all the ghosts that still remain/. . . /but you love your broken heart too much to change." As in his prior recordings the songs often feel confessional, showing emotional ambiguity about the situation the song's protagonist finds himself in.

Produced by Phil Madeira this release has a smoother sound than Greg's previous albums, not good or bad, just different. "Doghouse" shows an edgier feel than anything he's done in the past. With the exception of "Trampoline", which was previously released on co-writer Bill Lloyd's 1994 "Set to Pop" release the compositions on this collection are newer songs showing Trooper's continued growth as a songwriter.

Greg's songs always sound best when he performs them, but we can expect other artists to release cover versions as has happened in the past. His songs have thus far been covered by such country and folk artists as Steve Earle, Vince Gill, and Lucy Kaplansky. One potential cover is "Sometimes it Takes a Hurricane", a song with a catchy chorus and a timely message, much like the title track from his "Everywhere" CD.

Anyone who enjoys great intelligent songwriting will appreciate this and all of Greg Trooper's CDs. He's also a great live performer, don't miss the chance to see him in your town.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Songs from the Heart, April 24, 2001

By A Customer

Mr. Trooper, once again, has assembled a collection of charming, heartfelt songs. Straight Down Rain tends to have more of a studio, refined, plugged-in sound than the acoustic Popular Demons. From the whimsical Trampoline to his eternal optimism in anticipation of a second chance at love (Nothin But You), Greg Trooper weaves some interesting stories that make me roll down the windows in my minivan on a sunny day and sing out loud!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straight down rain, January 13, 2004

By A Customer

Yet another amazing album from Greg Trooper. This guy is a genius singer songwriter. My faves on the album are 'real like that' with Julie Miller on harmony vocal; 'Once and for all' a real cool song that has spent much time on repeat in my stereo!! 'Lovin' never came that easy' and 'over the moon'. All in all a great album, a well worth investment. Go on, add it to your basket....you know you want to!!