If That Ain't Country

Anthony Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 20, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mercury Nashville
• ASIN: B000068TMU
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,546 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Singing, "I never bought into psychological stuff / And never claimed to be a bona fide genius" on "Venus," Anthony Smith, the writer of hits for George Strait and Montgomery Gentry, summarizes what makes his decidedly unsubtle debut effort so elemental and convincing. "If That Ain't Country" and "Up to the Depth" reflect his direct yet witty, idiosyncratic lyrical spins filtered through a snarling voice. "Metropolis" conjures up Scarecrow-era John Mellencamp, the rocker closest to Smith's style. Delivered in his best raconteur mode, the witty, engaging "Airborn" tells a tale of a stunt daredevil finding romance. Bobby Terry's edgy, focused production mixes acoustic instruments with punchy amplified backing. The result? An atmosphere devoid of power ballads, empty metaphors, radio froth, and other unbearable Nashville clichés. Even Smith's reflective side avoids the bathos that undercuts many current singers. If anyone could bridge the gap between alt-country and the mainstream, Smith may be the one. In today's style-obsessed climate, it's like hearing Waylon or Hank. Jr. for the first time. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best albums I've ever purchased, February 7, 2004

By 

Travis (South Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If That Ain't Country (Audio CD)

I have never felt obligated to write anything about an artist on here but I had to put down my thoughts on Anthony Smith. I hardly ever purchase any "new country" but after listening to some of the samples of this album on here I was blown away by the traditional sound and knew I had to get it. I can't figure out why he didn't release more than 3 songs off of this CD. Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 are all bona fide hits. And I'm not talking about just your average country radio "hits" these are true country songs that Willie, Waylon and David Allan Coe would have all been proud to sing. I can't figure out why this guy isn't a superstar right now. He's been mostly known as a songwriter but his voice has that perfect "outlaw" sound to it. If you're a true country music fan you owe it to yourself to buy this album. Anthony, your first one was a masterpiece, can't wait to see what you have for us in the future!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite record this year...., July 25, 2003

By 

John S. Macy (Aurora, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If That Ain't Country (Audio CD)

Wow, I love everything about this record. Besides the stunning songs and awesome voice, this record absolutely kicks sonic butt with a killer mix by Brian Tankersley. But the most amazing thing is the band--fresh, tight and punchy. Then I read the liner notes and find it is produced and recorded by Bobby Terry. Cool. Then I read a little farther, and find "all instruments and background vocals by Bobby Terry". Who is this guy??? It's pretty easy to pick out one man band records, but not here. This guy is a killer.

Oh yeah, did I mention the songs are killer and he sings great, with a depth that belies his age. Order it now--you will not be disappointed!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I don't even LIKE country, and this album rocks., September 11, 2002

By 

Jordan D (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If That Ain't Country (Audio CD)

My musical tastes stretch from underground hip hop to classic rock to punk and back, but I rarely delve into the country. However, I heard Smith's "If That Ain't Country" by accident, and I was hooked. The lyrics he's strung together on this album are entertaining at worst, and brilliant at best. Personally, I think "Who Invented the Wheel" has some of the most original song-writing behind it that I've heard in a long time. Some of the songs are borderline alterna-country-rock, and others are pretty much pure country, but all of them are fun to listen to and surprisingly easy to get hooked on. Don't take my word for it; go listen to a couple songs and see if you're not pleased. Trust me, it'll be the best 13 dollars you've spent in a while if you buy this cd.