Customer Reviews

Tailgates & Tanlines

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

...although the album cover and album title suggest this is simply a collection of songs about partying with Mr. Country McDreamy in a v-neck t-shirt, that is just the half of it. The first half of the album is basically about having a good time or the effects of having a good time - whether it's good dancing', good lovin', good drinkin', or bad drinkin' and losin' it all. These are fairly fun and pleasant songs, but they border on being run-of-the-mill Nashville Top 40 style - let's call it cotton candy country...

The last half of the album grasps for something deeper, darker, and truer - and suddenly Luke Bryan has substance. "Harvest Time" is reminiscent of a Ryan Adams or John Mellencamp style ode to one's hometown. "Muckalee Creek Water" displays story-telling confidence worthy of Garth Brooks. "Tailgate Blues" has a familiar, folksy, hymn-like quality to it. You get the idea.

First half of album = cotton candy
Last half of album = meat and potatoes

FOR FANS OF: Any good looking Top 40 country act, Garth Brooks, Ryan Adams, John Mellencamp

TOP TRACKS: "Harvest Time," "Muckalee Creek Water," "Tailgate Blues"

FINAL GRADE = A-

"Tailgates and Tanlines" is Luke Bryan's third full length studio album and the follow up to "Doin' My Thing," his breakthrough album from 2009. This is, in my opinion, the epitome of what a country album should be: great songs, good musicianship, and great lyrics that make you want to sing and dance, have fun, or lament over a broken heart. The diversity of songs here is impressive: Everything from your typical country twang to up-tempo party songs to beautifully written music with compelling story lines. "Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" gets things started and is the perfect opener: a driving bass drum will keep your head moving, and the perfectly layered electric guitars and banjos add just the right texture to keep things interesting. "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" keeps up the pace with a catchy hook, an incredible melody enhanced by Bryan's classic southern drawl, and some great guitar work that keeps the tune moving along. "You Don't Know Jack"is a sad song about the perils of alcoholism. The lyrics are deep and meaningful and the song features a beautifully played acoustic guitar with underlying mandolins for added texture. "Tailgate Blues" has a great combination of blues-influenced-country guitars and is delivered with an amazing amount of passion. The last song, "I Knew You That Way" will leave you wanting for me. A beautifully arranged ballad with more well written lyrics is the perfect way to close out the album. If you're a fan of the country genre, or just like well written songs that will make you groove, you will love this. Highly recommended!

I've been in love with Luke Bryan's songs since I saw him in concert at tiny Benton Co. Fair! I was so excited for this cd, and a month after getting it, it's still my "go-to" cd in the car.

Not only is his voice special and unique, the lyrics are great as well. Each song is different from the others. Some songs goi great with a sunny summer day, other with moodier days. A great mix which never gets boring.

This is by far my favorite Luke Bryan album yet. There isn't a song on there that I don't like. Very fun songs that are great for listening to in the car or while cleaning. If you are debating about whether or not to purchase this album, do it, you won't regret it.

I love Luke Bryan!!!This cd is great.Can't pick out just one song.He just has that voice where everything sounds good. yeah that's right, he can sing the phone book and it would sound great. great cd i reccommend it to everyone....enjoy

I only buy CDs. If compressed music is your preference that's cool--but I think Steve Jobs is wrong when he says you can't tell the difference.

That said, the instruments in this CD (especially the guitars) are incredible. Luke's vocals & music choices are refreshing & fun. You probably won't hear more than one more cut from this CD on the radio--but I'm a fan of Luke's and I enjoyed the entire CD.

I got the cd when it was supposed to come. I love this cd. I love his voice. I have a new favorite singer.

This CD is AWESOME and worth every penny! He just keeps getting better and this is his best one yet!

This is a very good cd, some of the songs sound the same but it's a good listening cd....over and over and over.