A love song praises Maria for easing the singer’s mind and setting his soul free (“My Maria”). “I Am That Man” pledges a love that’s “true and strong” to a romantically withdrawn woman, while “My Love Will Follow You” refuses to give up on one who has abandoned the relationship. “Why Would I Say Goodbye” fesses up to stubborn pride and seeks a female’s forgiveness.
Typical of this duo, whiskey flows liberally. “Redneck Rhythm and Blues” lives for the work whistle and a trip to the local “waterin’ hole.” If a love goes bad, the boys recommend beer and booze to ease the pain (“More Than a Margarita,” “One Heartache at a Time,” “Tequila Town”). A married couple looks forward to some wild partying (the woman in a “low cut dress”) on “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing.”
Stylistically, it’s Jimmy Buffett in cowboy boots-no big departure for Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. Too bad an unhealthy preoccupation with alcohol puts a burr in the saddle of this number-1 country disc. Many fine Christian artists with a similar country flavor point teens to Jesus for comfort . . . not a bottle.
