Customer Reviews

We're Country So We Can

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Playing Time - 42:44
SONGS - 1. I'm Gonna Move On, 2. The Stuff I Grew Up On, 3. Heaven Only Knows, 4. I've Been There Too, 5. Li'l Red Riding Hood, 6. A Mile Away, 7. My Way, 8. Second Hand Life, 9. Taste Of Class, 10. Smoke If You Got 'Em, 11. Seems Like Yesterday, 12. We're Country So We Can

Lead vocalist, acoustic guitarist and primary songwriter Ashley Bowers fronts Forty 5 South, a "100% pure country" band that hails from Jackson, TN. where Highway 45-S runs. Cutting their teeth in bars like "Jimmy D's," the band's original music and fresh sound landed them gigs playing for the armed forces throughout the Pacific and Asia during the fall of 2003. "We're Country So We Can" is the group's sophomore effort, and it's sure to continue the buzz and intrigue about them. The title cut's message is about working hard, trying one's best to make a living, and standing behind what you say. This might just be the inside story of this progressive country band that took the approach of building their name in Texas before branching out to national recognition. Bret Michaels (of the rock group Poison) contributes some vocals on the title cut, as well as producing this album.

Besides Bowers, Forty5South includes Jonathan King (drums), Phillip Lemmings (rhythm guitar, mandolin), Justin Tapley (guitar), and Seth Gordon (bass). All these guys are just in their 20s, but they pick and sing like veterans. Fifteen additional musicians contribute to this recording, and it would've been nice to hear a tad more fiddle and mandolin (Larry Franklin, Glen Duncan), banjo (Jamie LaRitz), and steel (Mike Johnson, Daniel Dugmore).

Bowers collaborates with friend Bryan Dinkins on four songs. The band is building themselves a legion of fans who enjoy raucous, rowdy and energetic country with rock influences. "We're Country So We Can" resonates with plenty of pulsating sound waves that are sure to thrill. Their combination of new material, high-geared instrumental prowess, high-octane vocals, and collective youthful energy will take them far. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR)

I bought this record as more of a curiosity. I was wondering what a young country band would sound like produced by a 80's rock star (Bret Michaels from Poison). Well, let me tell you the mix works. "We're County So We Can" is one of the best new CD's out there. It is one of those undiscovered treasures that will please both country and pop/rock fans. This young band has a load of talent and is not afraid to show it. The title track and single from the CD is an upbeat song about growing up in the country and offers a cameo apperance by producer Bret himself. Other noteable tracks are "I've Been There Too" and "Second Hand Life". I fully reccommend this Cd to young and old alike. This is the best of the new school of Country talent. Yee Haw!