Christopher W. Rolen | East Tennessee | 12/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Take a minute, and turn on your favorite country (radio) station. OK? So, what do you hear?
Is it country music, or just pop? These days, it's hard to find good; honest, country music.
Blake Shelton is breath of fresh air in these days of techo-driven, tradition-bashing pop-country
music. It's hard to even call today's country, country! Could you hear Hank Williams singing
"I'M GONNA GETCHA GOOD", or Merle Haggard singing "SHE'S MY KIND OF RAIN"? I didn't think so...From the get-go, Shelton's album shows that he is no pop act. From the honky-tonk rouser
"EVERY TIME I LOOK AT YOU", a song that proves you can never forget a heartache - to the
depseration ballad "ALL OVER ME" (which was co-written by Shelton's hero, Earl Thomas Conley),
Shelton takes the listener on a journey of the heart. "SAME OLD SONG" and "I THOUGHT THERE WAS TIME" are the two stand-out songs on the album.
Both songs, penned by the legendary BUDDY BRADDOCK (who just happened to produce this album),
are materpieces - that will no soon be forgotten. "SAME OLD SONG" is a punch-in-the-face to
artists like Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Chris Cagle, and Faith Hill. The song; about the sugar-
coating that goes into making a country song, could very well solidify that Shelton will never
stray from Traditional Country. "I THOUGHT THERE WAS TIME" brings us back to a sound, much like
Conway Twitty's singles, in the late 80's - a strong beat, and heavy steel guitar.Nashville needs more artists like Blake Shelton. WE need more artists like him, as well..."
Austin and beyond...
Christopher W. Rolen | 07/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not even 24 hours after Blake Shelton's first CD was released and I was hooked. Austin is an extrodinary song, but Blake Shelton goes beyond with his other 9 tracks. The first track deals with how one reacts when they run into someone that they haven't seen for a while, but they still have feelings for. This is something I was just faced with so I was able to really relate. Track 5 is a song about breaking out of prison, sounds bad, but it is a great song. All in all.... Definately two thumbs up!"
It's all about Austin
ALYSSA ROMANO | 06/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Blake Shelton's song Austin one late night when I was listening to the radio. I wasn't really paying attention, until I heard the memorable intro, and Blake's incredible voice. As I tuned in to the words, I sat stunned at the intensity of the song. It went straight to my heart. The line at the end of the first chorus -'And P.S., if this is Austin... I still love you'- blew me away. I loved the song at first hearing, and sat glued to the radio for the next week, hoping to hear it. Finally, I gave in and bought the cd. I didn't really care about the other songs - I just wanted to hear Austin!! But, as it turned out, I enjoy the WHOLE cd. Several of the songs are refreshingly different. They have orignal endings, and are a welcome break from country's sometimes monotonous themes. And they're ALL catchy and fun to sing along with! I can't wait for Blake's next album."
Future ACM and CMA new artist of the year
bigmavdaddy | Omaha, Ne USA | 12/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I liked the song "Austin" when I first heard it, then I heard it over and over and over, you get the point... then they released "All Over Me" and I heard it, and thought "Gee, I need to get this album". I cant stop listening to it. This guy has some kinda style that country music has been lacking over the past several years... I thought country was doomed when Billy Gilman came out, but Blake, you are the saviour, the chosen one to take your place beside the likes of George Strait and Alan Jackson. I just don't want to see Blake go down the same road as Billy Ray did. This is a curl up next to the fire and snuggle CD, nice for cold winter nights, or warm ones in the hot tub. Play it loud, play it proud. Thanks Blake."
The best newcomer to country since Garth Brooks
ALYSSA ROMANO | Las Vegas, NV | 12/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blake Shelton's style of country music is literally the greatest to hit Nashville since the debut of Garth Brooks. His smooth and velvet sounds when his heart is in the song Austin pulls the toughest of heart strings known to man. Anyone who has ever loved and lost will relate to this song. All over me will definitely hit as high as the notes that Blake sings. But if you really want to hear a beautiful tune, fast forward your CD to his hit "I thought there was time". It will teach you not to take love for granted and to remember that this life is too short. This singer, in my opinion, will be the next Horizon Award singer in the country genre. Catch him in concert if you get a chance and believe me, Blake Shelton will give you your money's worth and more! Buy this CD (and listen to all of his songs and you'll know why this man is a breath of fresh air and a definite compliment to the country music industry."