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Music review: Garth Brooks ëƵ ëƵGunslingerëƵ

By Clint Rhodes for The 2 min read
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It was two years ago that Garth Brooks launched a country music comeback with his first new album in 13 years. With ëƵMan Against Machine,ëƵ Brooks was reintroduced to a new generation of country music fans. The Oklahoma native followed with a tour and all was right in the cowboy universe.

Brooks continues to build off the momentum with his latest studio album. ëƵGunslingerëƵ is a return to the glory days of albums like 1990ëƵs ëƵNo FencesëƵ and 1991ëƵs ëƵRopinëƵ the Wind.ëƵ The 10 new tracks flow easily and possess the charismatic charm that fueled an iconic career.

ëƵHonky-Tonk SomewhereëƵ opens the set with Brooks pleading, ëƵHelp me 911 operator got a Friday night emergency/I need nursinëƵ cause IëƵm hurtinëƵ from a long week workinëƵ/And IëƵm thirstinëƵ for a remedy.ëƵ The infectious number about finding the right place to have a good time carries the same feel and energy as ëƵPapa Loved MamaëƵ and sets the stage for the relaxed party anthem ëƵWeekend.ëƵ

The guitar-driven sound of ëƵPure AdrenalineëƵ and the sugary hooks found on ëƵBang! Bang!ëƵ show Brooks mixing his country with a heavy dose of rock with a little bit of roll.

ëƵBaby, LetëƵs Lay Down and DanceëƵ serves as the albumëƵs lead single with its catchy dance groove sprinkled with pure pop flavorings.

Perhaps the strongest song of all features the lovely voice of Trisha Yearwood. The coupleëƵs pairing for this duet simply shines on this tender power ballad. The husband and wife also recently released one of the best Christmas albumëƵs of the year. ëƵChristmas TogetherëƵ is a delightful collection of holiday favorites as well as the original arrangements ëƵUgly Christmas SweaterëƵ and ëƵWhat IëƵm Thankful For (The Thanksgiving Song).ëƵ

The artist that became a world-wide celebrity by blaming it all on his roots for the reason he showed up in boots and ruined a black-tie affair has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history with 138 million albums sold.

ëƵGunslingerëƵ continues BrooksëƵ knack for working a room and winning friends in both low and high places.

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