92.9 The Bull » Reviews

George Strait, 'Love Is Everything' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:37 +0000

George Strait steps back in time for his newest release, 'Love Is Everything.' In the past, the singer always found a way to add a touch of contemporary to his traditional sound. There's nothing to separate this from albums he made throughout the '80s and '90s, but that's not necessarily a criticism.

Lady Antebellum, 'Goodbye Town' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:00:19 +0000

Charles Kelley's desperation turns to anger by the end of 'Goodbye Town,' the second single from Lady Antebellum's new 'Golden' album. The song finds the trio working their bread and butter: heartbreak and a yearning for love lost. Sonically, this song forges ahead with fresh production, but it's not quite as exciting as the lead single, 'Downtown.'

Thomas Rhett, 'It Goes Like This' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:00:17 +0000

‘It Goes Like This’ is the safest of the three singles Thomas Rhett has released, but he sacrifices nothing in sharp songwriting in his effort to land a hit on country radio. The charismatic songwriter is a natural storyteller, and his lyrics bounce to life with each verse and chorus. Rhett’s previous two singles didn’t realize their [...]

Kenny Chesney, 'Life on a Rock' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:17 +0000

Kenny Chesney's 'Life on a Rock' album is as revealing of a record as 'Be as You Are' -- more so in some ways. The songwriting isn't as sharp as the 2005 project (the most closely comparable to 'Life on a Rock' in style and substance), but the experiences are as mixed and honest.

3rd Annual N.A.H.A. N.W.Nitro Nationals This Weekend [PHOTOS] [VIDEO]

Todd Lyons — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:59:04 +0000

This weekend, the 3rd Annual N.A.H.A. Northwest Nitro Nationals Hill Climb returns to the valley (just off of Highway 24, 20 minutes outside of Yakima and 10 minutes from Sunnyside.) Last year, fans were treated to outstanding weather all three days with the culmination on Sunday when the Pros attacked the 800 foot hill. This [...]

Randy Rogers Band, 'Fuzzy' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:30:32 +0000

The Randy Rogers Band go for broke on their new single ‘Fuzzy’ from an upcoming album called ‘Trouble.’ This story of a wild night out is what ‘The Hangover’ would sound like if written by a country band. Sonically, the mid-tempo, quasi-blues jam offers no wink-wink to listeners that says “Hey, this didn’t really happen.” [...]

Chris Cagle, 'Dance Baby Dance' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

‘Dance Baby Dance’ is one of the finest songs of Chris Cagle‘s career — perhaps his best ballad. A few fathers (and maybe a couple of mothers) will be wiping away tears before the end of the first verse. He hits that sweet spot between familiar and hokey. ‘Dance Baby Dance’ is a circle of [...]

The Fisher-Price Activity Center Was Our iPad

John Riggs — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:22:19 +0000

I found one of these bad boys at an estate sale and knew I had to get it. This was my iPad when I was a baby. You can spin the dial for a while. When you bore yourself of that, push the button to make the bell ring. It was full of sounds and [...]

Scotty McCreery, 'See You Tonight' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:30:28 +0000

Scotty McCreery makes his songwriting debut on 'See You Tonight,' a mid-tempo love song that finds the 19-year-old not settling for a phone call or some distant "I love you" from the girl who holds his heart. It's the start of a new chapter for McCreery -- one that's much more important than his last.

Hunter Hayes, 'I Want Crazy' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:00:52 +0000

In his new song 'I Want Crazy.' Hunter Hayes doesn't soar like Ronnie Dunn or croon like Chris Young. His vocal performance is an exercise in diction -- and memory. Simply put, he packs a ton of words into a tight space without straining or slurring one idea into another. It's not easy.

Blake Shelton, 'Boys 'Round Here' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:45:44 +0000

There is comedy in Blake Shelton singing with Pistol Annies, as he does on his new single 'Boys 'Round Here.' One imagines a country Hugh Hefner surrounded by his beauties. In real life, the Annies likely (very likely) don't attend to his every need and agree with him at all costs, but they do on this song, and it's absolutely charming.

Thompson Square, 'Just Feels Good' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:00:55 +0000

The best songs on Thompson Square's new album 'Just Feels Good' sound like a conversation between the two married lovers. Early on, their back-and-forth is light and playful. Later ballads take a more somber tone, but all that find the 'If I Didn't Have You' singers sharing lead are highlights from the duo's sophomore project.

James Wesley, 'Thank a Farmer' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:00:27 +0000

James Wesley has a real feel for the life and struggles of the blue-collar American. His new song 'Thank a Farmer' is similar to his previous Top 30 hit 'Real' in its honest, no-nonsense approach. The worst thing a singer can do with a song like either of these is come off as contrived. Wesley is a long way away from being accused of that.

Kacey Musgraves, 'Blowin' Smoke' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:00:19 +0000

The magic of many of the songs on Kacey Musgraves‘ debut album — including her new single ‘Blowin’ Smoke’ — is in the little details. ‘Merry Go ‘Round’ thrived in efficient specificity. The follow-up is equally effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables. Of course, the waitress Musgraves plays on this song is [...]

Wynonna, 'Something You Can't Live Without' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:00:23 +0000

It takes a few listens to absorb the new sound Wynonna reveals on her new single 'Something You Can't Live Without.' The singer and 'Dancing With the Stars' competitor hasn't had a hit song in a decade, but comparing this to music from the 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' album would be like comparing Kelly Clarkson now to her 2003 self, but flip-flopped.

Casey James, 'The Good Life' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:00:22 +0000

Casey James‘ third single from his self-titled debut album is a pleasing three minutes and five seconds, but the toe-tapper is easy to forget. ‘The Good Life’ lacks the emotional hook that the best carefree country expressions posses. The song is sort of like licking the frosting from a cupcake. Sure it’s tasty, but the [...]

Shooter Jennings, 'The Other Life' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:23 +0000

Fans of early albums from Shooter Jennings will appreciate the singer's return to center on 'The Other Life,' his sixth studio album, available for purchase as of March 12. Still far from mainstream, the collection of songs isn't quite as experimental as projects that followed 'Put the "O" Back in Country.'

Pistol Annies, 'Hush Hush' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:00:17 +0000

The themes found on ‘Hush Hush’ — the new single from the Pistol Annies‘ anticipated sophomore album ‘Annie Up’ — work within the portrait of the hard luck, rural America that the trio of women painted on ‘Hell on Heels.’ One recognizes a few characters, but one element is missing: Danger. Listening to ‘Hush Hush’ [...]

Katie Armiger, 'Playin' With Fire' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:00:13 +0000

Katie Armiger continues to show off her feisty side on her new single 'Playin With Fire,' a bluesy, rebellious cut from the 'Fall Into Me' album. Her message should hit the sweet spot for teens or young 20-somethings full of angst and with little patience for the sage advice of an elder.

Drake White, 'The Simple Life' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Songs like Drake White’s ‘The Simple Life’ end up inspiring scores of new singer-songwriters to bring their talents to Nashville. White makes it look so easy, singing about familiar pleasures we all know and usually under-appreciate. ‘The Simple Life’ is a great singalong song. The chorus is unique and catchy. The way he says “woman” is charming and [...]