Travis Tritt - The Storm
Album Review By: Penny Rondinella, CSO Staff Journalist

Tritt delivers a more bluesy, rock edge style in his first new studio album in three years. A much-anticipated debut album recently released on the independent Category 5 Records is The Storm, co-produced by Tritt and American Idol's Randy Jackson. The two of them teamed up to create a collection of songs that emphasize the soul side of Tritt's singing, and that they did. This acclaimed multi-platinum vocalist, musician, songwriter, and entertainer has sold 25 million albums, has two GRAMMY's, three CMA Awards and has performed coast to coast for standing-room-only crowds. I'd say he's off to another great start.

In Tritt's first single 'You Never Take Me Dancing,' he partners with singer/songwriter Richard Marx. Look for a cameo appearance in the video by Randy Jackson. This rockin', soulful tune brings the sound that Travis has been recognized for throughout his career. Lyrics that shout out; 'Just when I thought I had it all worked out, she says you give me all I want of your money baby, but you never take me dancing.' Officially becoming the 40th Top-40 single in this Georgia-born singer's stellar career. The song has a prelude which is Tritt to the soul. His 'Mudcat Moan' starts off the album with such soul given talent, that I knew from the get go, I wouldn't be disappointed. His trademark of moans and growls set off this prelude and get you all set for the upcoming tradition of his true bluesy southern rock country soul.

The two-time Grammy winner also wrote songs with Rob Thomas for the album, along with other contributors including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Diane Warren, the rock band Nickelback and Hank Williams Jr. But I have to mention the amazing guest instrumental work on "High Time for Getting Down," by the amazing Charlie Daniels on fiddle, it is a great addition to this album. "The honky-tonk is hoppin' / And a cover band is rockin' to some dude named Tritt" What a great line. My favorite song on this incredible album. 

Tritt hit the country music scene over 15 years ago and has not disappointed me in the least with his incredible talent of not only being an amazing artist but for being who he is right from the start. I saw him back in 1991 in Nashville and was floored by this man's talent and I have followed his career since. The country music industry has struggled to find a genre to label him in and finally just went with OUTLAW. I guess if dressing in leather and letting your hair flow loose to your shoulders is what they call OUTLAW then so be it. He and Jeffrey Steele (and many others) are in the right genre and doing a fabulous job at it, don't ya think?

Travis says this new album shows all his different influences; "I've been lucky because through my whole career I've been able to do records I wanted to do without having to feel like I had to follow a specific trend, what was hot at the moment or that kind of thing." He continues; "I've always known who my audience was and always felt they were out there. Regardless of what kind of music you're doing, if you can have a song that someone listens to and instantly thinks of a situation they're going through, that's a special connection." Here's what Tritt says about his aim as a songwriter and performer: "When music becomes more than something you just tap your toe to - it becomes the soundtrack to your life. You don't need a poetry degree to understand this stuff - it talks about your life on a day-to-day basis. That's where I try to come from. That's when you're hitting home." Boy has he accomplished that over and over again with his music, that is the very reason I listen to Country music, it has a way of touching your soul in a way no other music can. Thanks Travis your creativity, it's limitless.

Along with his bluesy, rock edge style, Tritt delivers a clutch of gripping ballads as well with 'What If Love Hangs On' in which Tritt co-wrote with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty fame. He also explores the high risk and intricacies of love with the unbridled passion that has become his very own signature with 'I Don't Know How I Got By' and 'I Wanna Feel Too Much' both written by Diane Warren. Tritt also finds all the pain and anguish in Hank Williams, Jr.'s "The Pressure Is On," a soulful tale of a love affair that nearly brings the man in the song to his emotional breaking point.

Before listening to this my favorite Tritt album was My Honky Tonk History, but now that just may have changed. 'Look out! Here comes Travis Tritt with a huge Category 5 Records hit. The Storm is about to blow everyone away who listens to it.

Related Links:
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