There’s been a lot of talk about change lately. There’s a big change going on in the White House. The economy is changing by the second… and Zac Brown is on a path to change country radio… and that’s a good thing.
The Zac Brown Band’s CD “The Foundation” is out this week and it’s a refreshing, modern, and very upbeat take on country music. In fact, many will consider Brown more of a rock act because of his stage persona, his attire, and past venues at which he’s played. One listen to this brilliantly crafted cd will remove all doubt that he is indeed country.
Brown was recently signed to the much ballyhooed – now defunct – Live Nation record label. Live Nation made a splash by signing artist to far reaching “360 Deals” that encompass profits from touring as well as merchandise and recording. The label blew up just as “Chicken Fried” was beating all odds on the radio charts with the smash hit “Chicken Fried.” Now Brown stands to profit greatly by hanging out his own shingle.
The Foundation is a joy to listen to. It’s not mainstream… but it combines the best flavors of James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and rootsy jam band country to create a Zac Brown sound.
The album opens with fan favorite “Toes” the first glimpse of a tropical vacation flavor that would make Kenny Chesney jealous. Next is a song that forced me to drag out the the track listing to figure out. The title is difficult to decipher… The phrase is “she’s got Whatever It Is.” However once you figure it out you can’t get it out of your head.
Brown displays that same unique turn of phrase throughout “The Foundation.” It’s just one of the attributes that makes the cd so special. It’s like nothing else out there… yet it can fit nicely between Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift songs on the radio.
There are several songs that could work as radio songs here and a few that should remain happily as album tracks that define the bands roots.
“Where the Boat Leaves From”, “Free”, and “Different Kind of Fine” are all songs that leave you wanting more.
The big question is will the independent nature of his record label tie him down and make him a one hit wonder or will the Zac Brown Band be able to parlay the success of “Chicken Fried” into getting a few more of these incredible songs heard?
OVERALL GRADE: A+
DON’T MISS: The incredibly real and honest feeling “Highway 20 Ride” and although I can’t really relate to living in a van… the building repetitive building and climax at the end of “Free” is worth the price of the entire album.
SKIP: Maybe “Jolene” for drug references.
