Customer Reviews

If That Ain't Country

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!

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!

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.

This album needs more reviews to ensure everyone gets a chance to listen to it. Without more said, it is one of the best written collection of songs you will probably ever hear. Anthony Smith is well-known with his songwriting hits for other artists, but on his first album you will get to hear the man himself give voice (and what a voice it is) to HIS music. He reminds me of the great talent of John Prine, who has been refered to as one of America's greatest songwriters; I believe Anthony Smith will be viewed in the same light in the years to come. So, that being said, it shouldn't surprise you to know his follow-up album is first on my list.

All I can say is this is an incredible CD from start to finish. Living in Nashville I'm lucky enough to see Anthony around town about once a month.....if you like this CD wait till you hear the new music!!!! He is a wonderful person as well.

I remember the date I first heard this amazing, stop-what-you're-doing-voice. It was September 11, 2002...the one year anniversary, and I was on my lunch break. The whole day had been melancholy...UNTIL Anthony's "If That Ain't Country" came out of my car speakers. I had to know more, hear more. My first stop the next day was the local music store. I"ve been hooked ever since. I have to say I think "John J. Blanchard" is quite possibly the most wonderful, heart-wrenching song I've ever heard....my 7-year-old son is even drawn to that one. Infinity, Up to the Depth, Venus, Who Invented the Wheel, Half a Man....THEY ARE ALL AWESOME. Truly, as every other reviewer here has said...buy this one. You won't regret it. RUN, DON'T WALK to your nearest music store. This is the most talented man in music and I hate that you don't hear more of this amazing CD on the radio. Most CD's nowadays you're lucky if there are 4 good songs on it (and I'm talking about the BIG NAMES here!!) This one is 100% pure gold. (I get to go see him perform today in Naples....I CAN'T WAIT!!) **update: I saw him, he's wonderful, witty, and very sweet. Not to mention VERY easy on the eyes for all you ladies out there.

This has to be my favorite country CD of the year. Although I gave it only 4 stars, that's not because of anything lacking; I just think that there is so much promise here I'm sure Anthony will top this at some point in the future... he is that good. There's a great feel to how these songs are crafted instrumentally and musically and the songwriting ranges from very very good to borderline superb. There are songs here that will make you dance, songs that will make you think, songs that will paint images in your mind, and at least one that might make you cry. I take exception to those who call this "alt-country" though. This is retro-country, or pure country as it evolves into the 2000's. I get so sick of hearing every sappy song by every latest top 40 diva with a big voice, a 21 inch waist, and a 90 IQ. They're all the same and they're all you hear on the radio or see on video. Now "That Ain't Country", but Anthony Smith is, and this CD is, and that's probably why you don't hear much of it on the radio. In a way, I'm amazed that a label took a chance on putting this CD out, but I'm glad they did. If you only buy one country CD this year, make it this one!

With his debut CD, it looks like Anthony Smith will be joining my hero Phil Vassar in a very small club - Nashville songwriters that successfully leap into the spotlight as a major label recording artist. "If That Ain't Country" is an amazing record. Every track is either written or cowritten by Anthony Smith, the veteran Nashville writer responsible for such hits as George Strait's "Run" and "I'm Tryin'" by Trace Adkins, among so many others. The writing is superb (5 tracks are co-written by Chris Wallin, whose writing star is rising also), Anthony's vocals are near perfect, and you gotta love the faux juice harp on the title track! My favorite cut is "John J. Blanchard," co-written by Wallin, an emotional thunderbolt. Get off your duff and BUY THIS RECORD!!

I had the chance to see him perform yesterday (July 4th) and his show was awesome! I love the song "Metropolis". "If That Ain't Country" brings a new beat to country music. This is the guy who penned George Strait's "Run", Trace Adkin's "I'm Tryin'", and many of his songs. "Who Invented the Wheel" makes you think about life. I loved meet him and I love his music!

This is country music at its finest. It's a definite "must have" for every true country music fan and those who appreciate pure, soulful, heartfelt passion.