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 di... more »ctatorial 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« less
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
Shelba A. (busylady) from ORIENTAL, NC Reviewed on 7/22/2010...
LOVE his voice....just saw the face of the person who sings some of the songs I was listening to on the radio....would have never thought this guy was a country singer...gotta get all his albums now...great songs:)
Suzanne B. (SuzyB) from NORTHPORT, NY Reviewed on 2/26/2007...
I saw him perform some of these songs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville -- I bought the cd soon afterward. Very strong voice. Great cd.
Chris S. (Snowball7470) from CORP CHRISTI, TX Reviewed on 8/9/2006...
Brokenhearsville is fantastic, and I liked The Impossible and Joe's Place too. He's got a great voice!
CD Reviews
Joe Nichols talent is awesome!
darcy007 | Eustis, FL United States | 04/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Longtime fan of this "newcomer"
Ronald C. Schoedel III | USA | 07/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
The Best thing to happen to Country in a LONG TIME
T. Foster | Fairfax, VA United States | 05/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard his voice...I knew he had "it". "It" is that something special that comes along once in a while that makes you listen to the same song over and over again because it had that special something that stirred you. Joe Nichols not only "keeps it country"..he is going to play a major role in bringing it back. I am a long time fan of ALAN JACKSON..always have been, always will be. And when ALAN takes someone on the road and says...this is what I like..this guys is worth listening to...its just another afirmation to me. You go JOE..you keep doing what your doing. You're great on stage, you have the voice and the God given talent to take "IT" to the top.
A MUST HAVE CD FOR ANY TRUE COUNTRY FAN."
Man with a memory
LJP | Texas | 10/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Joe Nichols is going to be a great star .This is a very good CD