Ever since “Brand New Man,” their first single in 1991, Brooks and Dunn have certainly kept their own strong, distinct sound. Their 13th album, Cowboy Town, includes some traditional Brooks and Dunn-sounding tunes as well as others which turn out to be remarkable tributes.

“Cowboy Town,” strategically placed as the first cut on the CD, is a great preview for what the album has to offer. Opening with immense organ, this tune will have you hooked before Dunn starts singing about wearing boots to dinner and driving trucks to church.

“Proud of the House We Built,” the first single off the album, certainly has that aforementioned well-established Brooks and Dunn tone to it, which they strayed away from a little on their last album. While the lyrics of this tune, written by Dunn, are both deep and illustrative, the tempo of the song is just what it should be in order to make it convincing. It is a true country song in that it tells a story about a love which started out “barely getting by” and is still fairly ordinary, but worthy of a whole lot of gratification. It’s a melody that aims to give the strained relationship a little hope.

“I’m proud of the house we built / it’s stronger than sticks, stones and steel / it’s not a big place sittin’ up high on some hill / a lot of things will come and go but love never will / I’m proud of the house we built”

“Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak)” brings back the kind of country song we all like to hear once in a while. The lyrics describe a true country man.

“I still drive a pick-up, I still wear boots / I grew up country, I’m proud of my roots / Red, white and blue are the colors I bleed / I’m a Johnny Cash Junkie, a Buck Owens freak.”

The tough but sentimental cowgirls out there will like “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” especially if they grew up learning to ride. Once you hear this touching song about daddy’s little girl who is all grown up now, you won’t forget it.

Including some humor on the album, the fast lyrics in “Tequila” are dreadfully true. This quick, witty country song is sure to be a riot when heard live, especially for those who have experienced a night with a “great big buzz in a little bitty glass.” In another amusing song, Brooks believes that everything will get better once you “Put A Girl In It.”

Another drinking song, “Chance Of A Lifetime,” finds a man waking up to a note from his girlfriend saying she’s leaving him because it was a “chance of a lifetime” with this good looking, rich man, rather than someone who often goes out partying.

There are a few cuts on the album that drift away from what we are used to hearing from this duo. Brooks uses his talent to sing lead vocals on a couple songs including “Drop In the Bucket” and “The Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker,” which actually features Mr. Walker as well.

Slowing it down again with “Drunk On Love,” this guy can’t drive home after only half a beer because he feels drunk from the kiss he just got from a girl.

Showing their country heritage in “American Dreamers,” this song is another great example of Brooks and Dunn’s patriotism. They have a long line of American favorites including “Only In America;” whether or not this one makes it as a single, it deserves to be heard by everyone.

“God Must Be Busy” is the last cut on the album. It’s a slow tune, reminding us all to be thankful for what we have. It encourages us to be patient because it will get better; we’re all going through tough times.

Brooks and Dunn have many accomplishments to be proud of from their seventeen years (and counting) as a duo. Among their awards include Vocal Group of the Year at the CMAs fifteen times in the last sixteen years. Their list of number one hits is sure to continue even after their first single from this album.