About.com Rating



Bottom Line:

Since the early 1990s, Brooks & Dunn have remained a strong force in country music. They have been a force like no other! As country's top duo, they have won numerous awards, which have helped them leap into superstar status. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have managed to produce yet another album that shows their pure country voices with grade A songs that are worth listening to from beginning to end.


About Brooks & Dunn

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn each came to Nashville to make it as solo artists, but when that didn't work out for them, it was suggested they try to become a duo. They agreed, and slowly worked on meshing their two very different personalities. Once they found their sound, legions of fans started gathering to hear the music they created. They have been selling out arenas for years and have even been an opening act for rock legends The Rolling Stones. Their musical catalog is an undeniable force with more gold and platinum than Fort Knox.

Kix and Ronnie have a strong country past that reflects in most of their songs, which help them relate to fans on a very personable level. Each has been a successful songwriter for themselves as well as others. Ronnie even lends his voice out every once in a while for rising and established artist's records. There are few duos that have ever had such an impact as Brooks and Dunn.

Regardless of any issues there have been in the past, these two professionals have managed to keep it undisclosed in order to keep the fans satisfied.

It is always amazing to hear an album that is full of surprises with a variety of tunes and then go to their concert and see it is just as exciting. Adding multiple artists to their shows, you will always see great opening acts that are diverse and unique. Brooks and Dunn have now released another album full of great tunes called Cowboy Town that has the potential to be their best album yet.

Cowboy Town - The Songs

Having a new album out adds a lot of stress to artists of any stature. Those who have hit superstar status have to continue to outdo their previous album to keep fans wanting more, and the hardcore fans do not like change very much. Knowing that fans expect more each album is not easy, yet these guys make it look easy.
The first single, a smooth mid-tempo piece called "Proud Of The House We Built" reached No. 4 on the chart. Fans grasped this tune as one of their own. Relating to the fans comes natural to this country team. They even express how they too are fans on "Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak.)" Although it is a rocking tune, it is still a great country song, which gives great recognition to the legends that have paved the way.

"Cowgirls Don't Cry" is a personal favorite that brings to life a character and displays her upbringing all the way to the passing of her father. It features a great fiddle intro, and a mid tempo feel. Showing off Ronnie's voice with the raw emotion that comes so natural, makes every song leaving you wanting more. In the fall of 2008, this song was released as a single, and after a performance with Reba on the 2008 CMA Awards show, the song was re-cut with Reba singing with Kix & Ronnie. The song peaked at No. 2 in 2009.

Although the whole album is great from beginning to end there are a couple more tunes that shine more than others. "The Ballad Of Jerry Jeff Walker" with Kix singing lead, also features Jerry Jeff himself. It's got a laid back tempo, and features prominent fiddles, along with the requisite guitar, bass and drums you expect. "Chance Of A Lifetime" co-written by Kix and Bob DiPiero, tells the story of a guy whose girl left him for someone new. This is another song with Kix on lead, and it has a great honky tonk feel, and is reminiscent of their previous hit "Little Miss Honky Tonk."

Do yourself a favor and get Cowboy Town. It is a much-needed addition to any album collection, period.

Cowboy Town Track List:

1. Cowboy Town
2. Proud Of The House We Built
3. Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak)
4. Cowgirls Don't Cry
5. Put A Girl In It
6. The Ballad Of Jerry Jeff Walker (with Jerry Jeff Walker)
7. Tequila
8. Drop In The Bucket
9. Drunk On Love
10. Chance Of A Lifetime
11. American Dreamer
12. God Must Be Busy