Trace Adkins More... Lyrics

While the term sound-alike easily applies to quite a few singers, Trace Adkins's husky, thoroughly honest baritone is among country's most distinctive and compelling voices. The opening title song of More... sets an optimistic tone that continues with "I'm Gonna Love You Anyway" and "Can I Want Your Love." Contrasting with the jocular Western swing of "All Hat, No Cattle," which pairs Adkins with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, is the eloquent, authoritative blue-collar homage "Working Man's Wage," free of the posturing that often undermines similar songs. True, George Jones could work wonders with "The Night He Can't Remember," yet Adkins, a cowriter, more than does it justice. Not that he sidesteps sorrow. The bittersweet "She's Still There" and the painful "Don't Lie" face it head-on. "Every Other Friday at Five" takes an uplifting look at the responsible side of divorced fatherhood. Adkins's ability to navigate the decidedly dicey waters of Nashville while maintaining a rock-ribbed traditional perspective reflects talent for the long haul. --Rich Kienzle