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Tracy
Lawrence - For the Love
Album review by: Cheryl
Harvey Hill, Sr. Staff Journalist
 When
his very first album, Sticks and Stones in 1991, landed
him at the top of the country music charts and produced three
number one hits, Tracy Lawrence stated in several interviews
that his personal goal in this industry was
"longevity." Sixteen years, sixteen number one hits,
twenty top ten hits, two platinum albums, two double platinum
albums, and countless accolades and other awards later,
Lawrence shows us, once again, why he won't have to look too
far For the Love once his new album is released.
The album
starts off, and ends, with a song that, in true country music
form, delivers a message that just about everyone will relate
to. The difference between the first cut of "Find Out Who
Your Friends Are" and the last is the vocal
accompaniment. On the first track you are treated to Lawrence's
solo rendition of this song but on the final track, he is
joined by two of his long time, real-life friends; none other
than Kenney Chesney and Tim McGraw. Although Lawrence doesn't
need any vocal assistance, I enjoyed both versions of the song
and it is clear that this trio had a good time recording the
bonus track.
All of the
songs on this album are really well written and contributed by
several top notch songwriters, but one of my favorites was the
only track written solely by Lawrence; "Speed of
Flight." This track certifies that Lawrence is not only a
tried and true honky-tonk balladeer but a first rate
songwriter as well. This particular track is lyrically strong
and "faster than the speed of flight" is a clever
hook.
"You're
Why God Made Me," written by Billy Yates and Will Nance,
was another song that stood out for me: When God made me, I
believe, He had a real good plan / Well, my lips were made to
whisper / Sweet nothings in your ear / My hands were made to
wipe away / Every single tear / My arms were made to hold you
tight / My eyes were made to see / You're why God made me /
Brad Arnold, of
Three Doors Down, joins Lawrence on the title cut (For the
Love, written by Paul Nelson and Rick Huckaby) and the end
result is an edgy song with a contagious beat. This track is
followed up by "As Easy As Our Blessings," written
by Tony Martin and Mark Nessler; a beautiful song whose lyrics
are intensified by Lawrence's passionate delivery: Lately
I've been having more / Nights that I can't sleep / The storms
of life keep blowin' in / Sometimes it gets so heavy/ It
drives me to my knees ... And up in Heaven sometimes I wonder
if God sits / There and listens to all His children / Thinking
it'd be nice if we'd forget / Our troubles as easy as our
blessings /
"Just Like
That," written by Michael Brown and Flip Anderson was
another stand out track for me. This easy flowing, two-steppin'
ditty with clever lyrics, strong instrumental riffs and a
feel-good melody, is guaranteed to lift your spirits and get
your feet moving.
This album is
the first release on his own Rocky Comfort Records and based
on the song selection and quality of production, I'd say that
"longevity" in this industry is a given. "My
music is evolving to a place that is more spiritual and
reflective of the heart," Lawrence says. "I can see
the transformation over several albums, and I see it
continuing to grow. I'm eager to see where the journey
continues to take me."
I have no doubt
that it will take him, rightfully, to the next level of
success. For the Love is classic country with the
emphasis on class.
Click on the CD cover to order yours!
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1 Find Out Who Your Friends Are
2 Just Like Her
3 You Can't Hide Redneck
4 For the Love
5 As Easy As Our Blessings
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6 Speed of Flight
7 Rock and a Soft Place
8 Til I Was a Daddy Too
9 You're Why God Made Me
10 Just Like That
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Related
Links:
Official Website
MySpace
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Real
People Reviews
Tracy Lawrence has never been better than on his new CD, FOR THE LOVE. He is a true country artist opting to deliver songs that have a honky tonk edge. I have never heard him sing a bad song, and once again he stands head and shoulders above the crowd.
~ Janet
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