Chris Young ends his fifth album with "What If I Stay," a sparse, tenderly swaying ballad that shows off the Tennessee-born country singer's rich baritone, wide range and seductive phrasing.
For most of "I'm Comin' Over," 30-year-old Young hitches his truck to rhythm-driven contemporary country music. He clips off the lyrics of "Underdogs" and "Heartbeat" in a rush, limiting his voice — his greatest asset — by focusing on an insistent, high-energy delivery.
One of his era's finest traditionalists, and an outstanding balladeer, Young spends most of his new songs proving he can compete with his bro-country peers. And he succeeds. The tracks "I Know a Guy" and "Alone Tonight" bring an emotional, real-life tone to contemporary country music.
Similarly, "Sunshine Overtime" is breezy radio candy reminiscent of mid-period Tim McGraw, and "Thinking of You" is a clever duet about the awkwardness of hanging with friends as a newly single person.
By Michael McCall.
Full story at Yahoo News.
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