Pat Payne is not traditional country, but there is no doubt he's got country roots. Mixed with a little rock, a little soul, a lot of blues, and a healthy portion of country, Pat creates a jam-band sound with a strong thread of country. This is not the kind of country they will play on mainstream, top-40 country radio today, but it is a fine CD that more people need to hear.

This album has a raw, stripped-down feel to it. It's not overproduced, making you feel like you are sitting in a club listening to a live band. Pat's singing range is a little limited at times, but when he's fully in his range, his voice has a wonderful depth and resonance. Pat and his supporting musicians are fine players making the extended instrumentals well worth the listen.

The CD starts off strong with “Backroads,” which makes you want to do exactly what it proposes; jump in your car and get away from the hustle and bustle. This is a song you can't help but turn up as you speed down those dirt roads. “Ain't No Guarantees” is a beautiful, soft ballad that encourages a couple to hold each other close while dancing. The words should be heeded by those in love, though, because it's important to keep the love alive. There “ain't no guarantees” and a love can start off strong, but then end. Probably the most country-sounding song on the CD is “Too Far Gone.” With its crying steel guitar a lyrics about a man who has lost the love of his life. He wants to go back to her, but he's “too far gone.” This is country music at its finest. 

It's obvious Pat has been influenced by many artists. He has developed his own sound (lyrically and musically), but in some songs you can hear those influences come out. With “Hearts in Mind” you can almost feel Eric Clapton sitting in. “Prison of Mine'd” has an early Robert Cray feel to it. Then, “Old Joe” reminds me of Hank Williams, Jr.'s “A Country Boy Can Survive.” 

In all, this is a fine example of a talented, independent artist. Pat Payne does not try to be anyone else but himself and that serves him well. He is a talented artist and has produced an album full of wonderful songs (all written by Pat). If you love music, you need to pick up this album.
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