Two cuts acknowledge the need to work at strengthening romantic bonds (“Finish What We Started,” “Love a Little Stronger”). A son reflects on his father’s thankless profession on “Kentucky Mine.” “Down by the River” upholds the institution of marriage as desirable, however . . .
. . . the engaged couple has an impromptu lovemaking session on the bank to celebrate the occasion. Also, the blue-collar ballad of “Bubba Hyde” esteems a man for his reputation as a Friday night party animal (“a honky-tonkin’ fool till closing time”).
This band of professing Christians should’ve known better than to spoil an otherwise fine effort with a few unsavory themes. It may be the first time a lump of coal has come from a Diamond.
