For Comin' on Strong, Adkins rejoins producer Scott Hendricks, who discovered the rangy Louisiana native in the '90s, signed him to a recording contract, and helmed his initial hits. On Chrome, Adkins's previous release, ... more »producer Dan Huff had taken him the predictable pop route--and scored a top five album--but apart from his perfect fit with blue-collar themes, Adkins never sounded completely at home with the album's gussied-up backgrounds. Now Hendricks brings him back to a rootsier sound and makes the most of his distinctive, deep-sea baritone, the likes of which country hasn't heard since Ed Bruce's early-'80s hits. "Missing You," which captures the loneliness of a oil driller far from home, is one of several tunes that show a new maturity and believability in the singer's material, just as "I'd Sure Hate to Break Down Here" and "One Nightstand" again prove Adkins's ability to convey vulnerability in an ultra-masculine fashion. Yet none of those tracks are likely to receive as much attention as "Hot Mama," a tune of middle-aged lust that's sure to keep Adkins popular with both polyester-clad Wal-Mart shoppers and jaded radio programmers, the real gatekeepers of any country singer's career. --Alanna Nash« less
For Comin' on Strong, Adkins rejoins producer Scott Hendricks, who discovered the rangy Louisiana native in the '90s, signed him to a recording contract, and helmed his initial hits. On Chrome, Adkins's previous release, producer Dan Huff had taken him the predictable pop route--and scored a top five album--but apart from his perfect fit with blue-collar themes, Adkins never sounded completely at home with the album's gussied-up backgrounds. Now Hendricks brings him back to a rootsier sound and makes the most of his distinctive, deep-sea baritone, the likes of which country hasn't heard since Ed Bruce's early-'80s hits. "Missing You," which captures the loneliness of a oil driller far from home, is one of several tunes that show a new maturity and believability in the singer's material, just as "I'd Sure Hate to Break Down Here" and "One Nightstand" again prove Adkins's ability to convey vulnerability in an ultra-masculine fashion. Yet none of those tracks are likely to receive as much attention as "Hot Mama," a tune of middle-aged lust that's sure to keep Adkins popular with both polyester-clad Wal-Mart shoppers and jaded radio programmers, the real gatekeepers of any country singer's career. --Alanna Nash
Jo V. (Jo) from BOISE, ID Reviewed on 10/27/2007...
My favorite Trace Adkins' CD. So many good songs.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Tammy P. from LANDRUM, SC Reviewed on 2/18/2007...
One of my favorite cds.
Tina M. (fab4fan) from COLUMBUS, GA Reviewed on 8/7/2006...
Good cd!!
CD Reviews
Definately Coming On Strong!
PGHFAN | South Park, PA United States | 12/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Had to find some polyester to go to Walmart to get this!!! Worth being called a Polyester-clad Walmart Shopper!!! From Hot Mama to Rough and Ready this CD has a little of everything! When Trace sings Then Came the Night you just want to close your eyes because you can visualize every detail as you listen to Trace's voice on this song. Make you feel just like you are there. I think this is Trace's best work yet. Anyone that loves good country music get this CD. Trace is putting the word country back in country music on this CD! If he does not get nominated for any awards after this CD there is definate kick backs going on....The songs are great and the cover is well worth the price of the CD....."
Not just another pretty face
J. K. Smith | Texas | 06/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In an industry filled with popstar wannabes, this man reminds you of why you love country music. His gorgeous baritone swings from melancholy to sensual to cocky in this, his best, CD. Great road trip music - but make sure your friends don't mind your singing along at the top of your voice!"
Trace Has Done It Once Again!
J. K. Smith | 12/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Trace Adkins new CD "Coming On Strong" is the perfect mix of country for his wonderful baritone voice. With the first track "Hot Mama" he tells it like it is about women wives and mothers still looking hot in their husband's eyes not matter how they look to everyone else and the phrase "Do You Wanna" has married couples saying "YES!" His wonderful ballads like "Then Came The Night" are truly magical when he sings then. And "Rough & Ready" is a upbeat honk-tonk masterpiece. I give this CD "Coming On Strong" 5 stars and it should be added to everyone's collection that enjoys great music."
TRACE KICKS A** WITH THIS ONE
COWBOYLUVER | HIGH DESERT, CA | 12/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CD I'VE LISTENED TO TRACK FOR TRACK IN A LONG, LONG TIME. THERE ISNT A SINGLE TRACK I DIDNT LIKE AND I'M A HARD SELLER.
I LISTEN TO IT EVERY MORNING ON MY HOUR COMMUTE TO WORK AND BACK AGAIN HOME AND HAVEN'T TIRED OF IT.
*ROUGH AND READY* IS SUCH AN UPBEAT FUN SONG YA CAN'T HELP BUT LOVE IT! ALL OF THEM ARE GREAT! THIS IS HIS BEST YET!!
HE'S COMIN ON STRONG ALRIGHT AND STRONGER ALL TIME.
THIS ONE IS A KEEPER."
Great cd, though I liked Chrome better.
Peter | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | 01/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm giving this cd five stars, as it's an excellent cd. There are so many great cuts on this disc, and i really am glad i bought it. It's almost a tie with Chrome for best cd of his career. Almost. Although there are some amazing standout tracks such as One Hot Momma, One Night Stand, Rough And Ready, and a few others, i still think Chrome is Trace Adkin's masterpiece. But that could be because the Chrome cd was what introduced me to Trace Adkins in the first place. The new cd will cement his place in our hearts as one of the most unique voices out there in new country today. There's no one in country music today with Trace's beautiful rich mile-deep baritone that is very comforting to listen to. There are so many good tracks on the new cd. The first single is One Hot Momma, and it's a genuine hit, with a scorching-hot video to go with it. Trace has never looked more confident and sexy in that video. As usual, the songs are well-crafted and gerat to listen to. Many of his songs tell stories, as the song One Night Stand does, in telling the story of a married man who has a one-nighter with a woman after his plane gets snowed in at the airport, and the repercusions afterward. The song is very emotional and you'll feel the painful emotions as very honest and heartfelt. Even though Trace is just singing a song someone else wrote, the way he sings it you would swear he's singing as if he went through it himself. One Of Those Nights is another potential top ten hit with a good driving beat to it that makes it a good dance song. Rough And Ready is the final cut on the cd and it is amazing. You gotta hear this song to believe it!This song is what country music is all about. The energy, the words, the way Trace sings them. If you're a fan of fast up-tempo country songs such as Alan Jackson's Chattahoochie, or Darryl Worley's Tennessee River Run, you will LOVE Rough And Ready!!!!!! This is destined to be a big hit for sure!! All in all, this is an excellent cd, and a must-have addition to your Trace Adkins library. It's almost his best cd yet. But i think Chrome is his best cd ever. But that's just my opinion. Don't miss the new cd. It's amazing! You'll love it."