Review – Chris Young ‘A.M.’ [VIDEO]

Chris Young has one of the most traditional voices in today's country music.  He's unique in that he can sing a traditional country song but he can also pull off a tune with a more pop/rock feel to it.  His new album, A.M., has an excellent mixture of both.

The album kicks off with his current single Aw Naw.  I had to listen to this a few times before I decided I liked it because I'm used to ballads from Chris.  It's a fun song that everyone can easily relate to in one way or another and it's a nice change of pace.

The second song is called Hold You To It.  It has a very casual feel to it and it's clear whoever the girl is in this song, he really enjoys dancing with her.  While you're listening you'll find yourself moving along to the beat.  It's another song that is just a bit more fun than some of his past music.  It's a great play on words and very lighthearted.

I've heard rumor that the third song, Lonely Eyes, will be the next single for Chris.  I think it's a really good choice.  This is another song that people can relate to -- single guy or gal out at the bar with lonely eyes, looking for someone to be with.  The song has a little bit of a rock feel to it and I think it's lyrics are very well written.

The next song is called Goodbye and I'm seeing a bit of a theme to this album.  This song is about a couple who is on the verge of calling it quits.  He's begging her to reconsider saying that what they have is too good for goodbye.  We've all been in that situation, whether we give it another chance or not.  His vocals on the song suggest this is personal to him -- they're very rich and carry a lot of emotion.

The next song is the title track and I'm impressed by it.  It's got a funky beat to it and a definite rock feel.  The tune is a great one for a Friday night party and it basically says that everything that happens up until midnight is pretty tame.  After that, all bets are off and that's when stuff starts happening.  People go from buzzed to being wasted and there's a lot of dancing, fights and alone time.

Nothin' But the Cooler Left is one of my favorite songs on the album.  Again, this is a great change of pace for Chris.  I think it really speaks to his listeners and their lifestyle. They go to work all week but when the weekend hits, it's party time.  They fill up their coolers and by the end, there's only the cooler left.  It's not a real rockin' song but it would still be great for a backyard party.

The next song is one that we love and would expect from Chris.  It's called Who I Am With You and it's a beautiful ballad for the girl he's with.  He's been all around by himself but now there's a girl and he's who he wants to be.  He thinks he's a better man with her.  Is it a little cheesy? Yep, but us girls like that kind of thing.  I think this would easily be embraced by his fans and be a big hit for him.

Text Me Texas is a modern day country heartbreak song.  His girl has found someone else in Houston and he's in denial about it.  He's lying there waiting for her to text him but the text never comes because she's preoccupied with the other guy.  There's some real country roots in the song and it comes with a bit of twang.  Where so much music has a rock feel to it, this is a good reminder of days gone by.

I love love love We're Gonna Find It Tonight! This song will have you tapping your toes in no time at all.  It's a fast paced tune that is definitely more rock than country.  Whatever gets her fired up, they're going to find it.  This will be one that I crank up in the car and jam out to on my way to work.

If I could only pick one song to listen to on the album it would be Forgiveness.  I'm not totally sure why this song appeals to me so much, other than to say I've been through this on both sides.  I've had to ask for forgiveness and I've had to try to find a way to forgive someone else.  The song is very traditional and the lyrics are  "typical" of an old school country song.

The last song is Lighters In The Air.  This one is just really cute -- finding love at a concert where the girl spills beer down the back of his shirt.  For me, it's very nostalgic. It takes me back to my college days when I went to all kinds of country music festivals with friends and made all kinds of new friends.  It's fun and a great way to close out the album.

In my opinion, this is one of the best albums that has come out this year.  It is also Chris' best work yet.  He has really progressed from being a traditional ballad singer to kicking butt on all different types of songs.  Don't get me wrong, this guy can sing a ballad like no other but it's great that he's giving us a taste of something different.  I think it will only get better from here and I highly recommend adding this to your music collection!