It's true that husband-and-wife duos like George Jones and Tammy Wynette were once common, but in recent decades, they've been an endangered lot. One recent exception: Alan Jackson's nephew Adam Wright and his wife Shannon... more », who were responsible for two songs on Jackson's What I Do. For their first effort on Jackson's own label, assisted by his producer Keith Stegall and coproducer John Kelton, the Wrights' 12 modern traditional originals--like Jackson's best work--honor the past but stand solidly in the present. Some are duets like "Roller Coaster," which examine marriage's ups and downs. That exploration skews to the downside with "On the Rocks." On other numbers, one or the other takes the lead, as Adam does on the sardonic "Hard Time" and the blue-collar free-spender's lament "Hole in My Pocket." Shannon sings of higher romantic standards on "Butterflies," and Jackson joins in on the more spiritual "Leave a Light On." While they don't go overly deep here, these witty originals with their loose harmonies and relaxed, laid-back production values create an immensely likable debut. --Rich Kienzle« less
It's true that husband-and-wife duos like George Jones and Tammy Wynette were once common, but in recent decades, they've been an endangered lot. One recent exception: Alan Jackson's nephew Adam Wright and his wife Shannon, who were responsible for two songs on Jackson's What I Do. For their first effort on Jackson's own label, assisted by his producer Keith Stegall and coproducer John Kelton, the Wrights' 12 modern traditional originals--like Jackson's best work--honor the past but stand solidly in the present. Some are duets like "Roller Coaster," which examine marriage's ups and downs. That exploration skews to the downside with "On the Rocks." On other numbers, one or the other takes the lead, as Adam does on the sardonic "Hard Time" and the blue-collar free-spender's lament "Hole in My Pocket." Shannon sings of higher romantic standards on "Butterflies," and Jackson joins in on the more spiritual "Leave a Light On." While they don't go overly deep here, these witty originals with their loose harmonies and relaxed, laid-back production values create an immensely likable debut. --Rich Kienzle
William F. Zachmann | Duxbury, MA USA | 05/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shannon and Adam Wright's debut,"Down the Road" is one of the best new country albums of 2005. Shannon and Adam are the best new country couple pairing since Gram Parson and EmmyLou Harris did "GP" and "Grievous Angel" thirty-plus years ago.
Let's just hope they last! Their outstanding, original, beautifully arranged, and magnificently sung tunes make for great listening -- but the content suggests a steady undertow of unresolved tensions between them. Hopefully this is just their way to work things out, rather than a harbinger of a split to come.
A couple I once knew well, Jim Glover and Jean Ray, recorded some really fine albums together back in the '60s as "Jim and Jean". One of their best but last tunes was "Stalemate". The chorus went, "I'm getting tired of you, waiting for me to be untrue, so that you can too." I knew as soon as they played it for me that they were "On the Rocks".
Hopefully Shannan and Adam really are not -- and will stick together to bring us lots more great music. They are certainly off to a fine start. Let's hope there will be much more to come!"
Down This Road
kittycat carole | 12/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The songs on this CD are truly refreshing. The harmonies are great. It's a pleasure to listen to country music that doesn't sound like the Nashville pop crap that is all to common in today's country music."
Good friend, good music
Frank Fortune | Statesboro, Georgia | 08/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shannon is a friend of mine that I grew up with, she and her husband obivously produce great harmony and have written some really clever songs. The CD is endorsed by Alan Jackson who performs back up and solo on several songs, you can't go wrong!"
Best in a Long Time
Sheila West | East Bay, Rhode Island USA | 08/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is by far the best C & W CD I Have listened to for a long time. The words and music are excellent - fun to listen to and sing with. I was hooked the first time I listened to it. For a first album, and knowing that they also write the words, just plain WOW! Looking forward to more, but don't rush it - make it as good as this one!!!"
Best CD I ever bought
Melissa A. Cole | 08/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Wrights are the best Duo I have heard in a long time.. My family and I listen to it almost daily it is so good. They are real people talking about real things. They wrote every song on this CD"