Man with a Memory

Joe Nichols

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal South
• ASIN: B00006AO3C
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,208 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's not just that this Arkansas native's leathery, edgy voice conjures up Haggard, Jackson, and Travis. Too many recent case histories demonstrate that such traditionalism won't necessarily survive Music Row or radio's dictatorial requirements. Joe Nichols provides a heartening exception to that depressing rule. The songs may cover predictable ground, yet their spicy ingenuity and Nichols's hardy voice prove consistently satisfying. He tackles the philosophical tune "The Impossible" with understated finesse. The same applies to his spins on loneliness ("You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet"), love ("Can't Hold a Halo to You"), barroom nostalgia ("Joe's Place"), and impossible women ("She Only Smokes When She Drinks"). What could have been a predictable Western-swing two-step on "You Can't Break the Fall" appears in an unexpectedly elegant, '50s cool-jazz veneer. His rendition of Tom T. Hall's loopy, satirical "Life Don't Have to Be Nothin' at All" fits glovelike into this mix. Few debuts are flawless, but this comes so close that it whets the appetite for the next time. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe Nichols talent is awesome!, April 18, 2003

By	"darcy007" (Eustis, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This album is a great achievement in country music! His voice, his looks, his "real" country sound, make up the total package of perfection! I never get tired of listening to this album. He's also wonderful to see "live"! He has the audience participating and it was thoroughly enjoyable!
I cannot wait for his next album to be released. I also enjoy his first album, "Six of one, Half Dozen of Another", but his voice has matured very well since then. And, for me, I am glad he doesn't look like the traditional country singer with a cowboy hat (Although he does look fantastic wearing one, that gets so old and it's like their all "clones" instead of individuals.
Keep it coming Joe!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Longtime fan of this "newcomer", July 24, 2002

By	Ronald C. Schoedel III (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Since I was a country DJ years ago and got a copy of Joe Nichols FIRST cd back in 1996, called "Joe Nichols", I've been a great fan of his. I've waited six long years for Joe to get signed to a major label, and I am not disappointed in this CD. I kind of hoped he might have included a couple of the great songs from his first CD, since no one really ever heard them on the radio as often and on as many stations as they should have been played on. His voice, the traditional feel of the music, and the subject matter are all perfect country and combine for one super listening experience. For six years I've enjoyed the first ten songs Joe Nichols has recorded, now I have 12 more to add to the rotation.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best country cd of 2002!!, January 9, 2003

By A Customer

This is without a doubt THE best country cd of 2002, beating out Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and Tim McGraw by a mile. Now you're probably saying no way. Well, i'm a huge fan of all three of the above artists and own all three of their new cds for 2002, but once i heard Joe Nichols cd Man With A Mission i knew who the winner was. Why? Simply because Joe's cd sounds like pure retro country. His cd is a shining example of what country music should sound like, and not the confusing "rock masquerading as country" tag that many of today's new country artists have. I mean let's be honest here: Although Emerson Drive and Shania Twain both put out fantastic cds this year that i really enjoyed, neither of those two cds are very country-sounding. Joe Nichols' voice and the production of the songs are pure country. Every track on the cd is a gem and a pure joy to listen to. I can't recommend this cd enough. I only wish i could rate it higher. This guy is gonna go places and be around for a long time, and is gonna give Alan Jackson a run for the money. Watch out, Alan, you've just been knocked down a notch. My only beef with Joe Nichols is his look. With his curly hair and clean-shaven face he looks more like he belongs in the group Creed, than singing country. I'd suggest growing some facial hair and sporting a cowboy hat.