Music review: Trace Adkins – ëƵThe Way I Wanna GoëƵ
Go big or go home appears to be the motivation behind ëƵThe Way I Wanna GoëƵ from Trace Adkins.
While celebrating the silver anniversary of his ëƵDreaminëƵ Out LoudëƵ debut release, Adkins seems to be having a blast recording 25 new arrangements that encompass his 25 years of delivering authentic country music.
The title track speaks to the Louisiana nativeëƵs desire to go out on his own terms as Adkins defiantly declares, ëƵLay me down with sunburn on my face/Talk about how I never act my age/Still writing when they try to turn the page/ThatëƵs the way I wanna go.ëƵ
Songs like ëƵWhere I Am TodayëƵ and ëƵFinding My GrooveëƵ focus on finally feeling at ease with how lifeëƵs journey has led to this comfortable stage with Adkins confidently proclaiming, ëƵGot my heart on my sleeve/Nothing to hide, nothing to prove.ëƵ
The album finds its party groove when Luke Bryan and Pitbull join the celebration on ëƵWhere the Country Girls At.ëƵ This rousing anthem is sure to rally the concert crowds as the boys get ready for a rowdy all-nighter by announcing, ëƵGot the mud off my boots/I got the smell good on/Got the truck shined up/See yourself in the chrome.ëƵ
The good times continue at full volume during ëƵSo Do the Neighbors,ëƵ featuring a special guest appearance by Snoop Dogg. All the neighbors know what to expect when Adkins announces, ëƵSpeakers on the back porch/Rattling the rafters/Knocking rust off the mailbox/Blowing dust off the tractor.ëƵ Indeed, listening to good country music isnëƵt a solitary act.
Adkins displays a softer side when pairing with Melissa Etheridge on ëƵLove Walks Through the Rain.ëƵ The two unmistakable voices blend together to offer comfort and support singing, ëƵRun to my arms/When the sky goes dark/And IëƵll dance you till the clouds break/Love walks through the rain.ëƵ
Other highlights include Adkins and Blake Shelton having a little fun on ëƵIf I Was a WomanëƵ and KebëƵ MoëƵ and Stevie Wonder providing the rhythm and blues for ëƵMemory to Memphis.ëƵ
ëƵThe Way I Wanna GoëƵ is all about staying true to yourself. Adkins demonstrates this best by proudly declaring, ëƵGot a little cash in the bank, gas in the tank/A little donëƵt care what they think.ëƵ
Just like Frank Sinatra, Adkins has always done it his own way.

