Music review: Justin Moore – ëƵStray DogëƵ
While Justin MooreëƵs last album possessed a rousing raise-a-glass sentiment to good friends and good times, the singer-songwriterëƵs latest release is again stamped firmly with his no-nonsense approach to delivering traditional country songs that stay true to his convictions.
ëƵEverybody Get AlongëƵ opens the set with Moore collaborating with Riley Green in a casual exchange of differences between friends. While they might disagree on various things like what truck brand they prefer to drive, favorite drink to savor on a Saturday evening, or the best Nascar driver, they know they have each otherëƵs backs when push comes to shove.
ëƵThat WasnëƵt JackëƵ is all about making amends for not always being a suitable partner in a relationship. It details a late-night phone call asking for forgiveness and declaring the courage to change for the better without the assistance of alcohol with Moore confessing, ëƵAll that talk I was talking about missing and wanting you back/That was all me/That wasnëƵt Jack.ëƵ
Conversions of the heart continue after finding your soulmate on ëƵWith a Woman You Love.ëƵ
The late nights of drinking with the boys become slightly less important, and are now substituted with meaningful conversations and intimate evenings at home in a farmhouse with five acres as Moore proclaims, ëƵHer whisper in my ear made a brand new man.ëƵ
The title track finds Moore unapologetic for who he is and the things he believes. ItëƵs that outsider attitude that speaks to the life experiences that helped to shape the man he is today. Moore conveys that stray dog image when declaring, ëƵIëƵve been known to howl at a full moon/AinëƵt scared to show my teeth/If you think IëƵll ever back down/YouëƵre barking up the wrong tree.ëƵ
Priscilla Block joins Moore as the two turn up the heat on ëƵYou, Me, and Whiskey.ëƵ ItëƵs a smoldering track that speaks to temporarily shedding the daily work grind for a night of drinks, loud country music and decisions that will be certainly regretted in the morning.
Moore closes the set in a nod to 50 Cent with ëƵGet Rich or Drunk Trying.ëƵ ItëƵs the classic tale of crafting a plan to get rich before last call without hitting the Powerball. In the end, itëƵs really just a dream. But, it was a good time all the same.
The Arkansas native once more stays close to his country roots with an album overflowing with plenty of swagger and honest emotion.

