Artist: Randy Houser
CD: Anything Goes
Release Date: 2008
Label: Universal South
With less than a week left to vote for the ACM Top Solo Vocalist award, I thought I'd do a flashback review for one of the best cds
I have ever laid ears on, Randy Houser's 2008 release, "Anything Goes". This cd to me is hands down the prime example of what this whole award category is about - pure vocal ability, nothing more and nothing less. I wish this was a "Top Solo Vocalist and Most Amazing Songwriter" award, he'd have this locked up!
After hearing Randy sing a few years back at one of the Nashville live music venues, I knew he had something, that "it" factor, that something special you just don't see everyday and something that won't fade away with the next generation of country music. Randy keeps it pure, keeps it simple, keeps it country and keeps it close to his heart. Randy is able to project what he's feeling with such passion, depth and fire to those listening. When you combine that ability with strong, spot on vocals, it's a combination you just don't witness but once in a rare while.
The cd kicks off with one of my favorite "down and dirty" country songs, "Boots On", which also had one of my favorite videos ever. This song always makes me wanna get my party on country style. If you ever see me in the car at a red light slinging my hair and "singing" at the top of my lungs like an idiot, chances are this will be the song you hear. It's just got a high level of "shake your ass-ability". The title track, "Anything Goes", is one of my favorite songs by any artist of any genre. This song can make my mascara run faster than a little kid being chased by a running, barking wiener dog. The vocals on this song are just indescribable, but if I had to describe them I'd have to go with "paramount". And then there's "Lie", one of the funniest, yet right on the money songs I've heard. Guys, listen to it and tell me if you don't identify. LOL! Heck, I'm sure some women do too! I think the most poignant song on this cd is "Something Real" and Randy delivers his confession as to what every one of us want in our lives, something and someone absolute and certain. "Something Real" also taps into a deeper, rarely heard side of Randy's vocal ability and showcases his vulnerability. Trust me, you're just gonna have to listen to know what I mean.This entire cd is good, not a single "skip worthy" song on it. If there is one thing I can say that I know is real, it's Randy Houser. Music and God given talent don't get anymore solid and undeniable than this. If you want genuine, emotional and top shelf music, add this one to your collection. It's more than worth the money, it's worth every emotion you'll feel when you hear the songs on this cd.
Please vote for Randy as the ACM 2011 Top Solo Vocalist at ww.voteacm.com. You can vote until noon February 24, 2011.You can also catch Randy performing an amazing version of an unreleased song, "In God's Time" on GAC TV as part of the "ACM Showcase 2011" from the Ryman. This song will have you rethinking what you call "music" and bring you to a place you'd never expect to be.
You can purchase "Anything Goes" at most music outlets and online.
