The Return of Outlaw Country5 Out Of 5 Stars
"Every cowboy's got a story and a secret he's learned to hide/Maybe he's tough in chaps and leather with a different kind of pride."
So says Canadian Cowboy Drake Jensen on his second full length studio album, "Outlaw." Comprised of 11 songs, including three of which Drake wrote or co-wrote, "Outlaw" reminds me alot of the the new country acts I was writing about and giving radio play to in the early 90's, before the "kids in cowboy hats" phenomenon kicked in. Drake has a full, rich voice that is often reminiscent of Randy Travis or George Strait, and his band plays full-bore modern country. Touching on topics from good lovin', fine livin' and not backing down from a challenge.
Nowhere on "Outlaw" is that fight more plaintive than its emotional centerpiece, "Scars." Drake has said in interviews that the abuse he suffered as a school student was so severe that he dropped out by 8th grade. He channels every bit of emotion he's got into this powerful song, and its corresponding video will throw you for a loop. Too many country singers are afraid of anything remotely controversial, but Drake walks into the fray till he's boot deep in it. In my opinion, the best message song of the past several years.
Even with something that serious to tent-pole the CD, Drake is not afraid of some good timing. "Fast Enough For Me" (one of the songs Drake shares writing credit on) requests that love takes its easy to be certain, but having a good time along the way is just fine. Then there's my other favorite on the CD, "Midnight Forest Cricket Chorus." It had me by the title alone, but then contemplates how a peaceful night where getting away from the noise and flashing neon could be one of life's sweetest experiences.
There's plenty to love on "Outlaw," from the wish to slow the world down in "I Don't Want To Know" to the strong "When It Hurts Like That," which kicks the album off with confidence. Drake Jensen may still be flying under the radar at the moment, however, that's no reason he should be off of yours.
http://www.drakejensen.ca
https://www.facebook.com/drakejensenmusic
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