This marks his first studio album in 10 years. It opens with the upbeat, fiddle-driven title track, “Lucky Me,” where his voice is as crystal clear as ever. It is followed by the slow-moving ballad “I’ve Done Everything Hank Williams Did, But Die,” which features neat steel guitar instrumentation. Equally poignant and nostalgic is the ballad “Hell Stays Open,” where he collaborates with the Oak Ridge Boys, which were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last year.
“Long Live the Cowboy” includes strong harmony vocals from Riders In The Sky, while “It’s Written All over Your Face,” which was co-penned by Bandy, is a real treat. Multi-Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs joins Bandy on “The Rarest Flower,” and the result is superb. After the mid-tempo “Old Frame of Mind,” he slows down the pace with yet another well-polished ballad “That Horse That You Can’t Ride.”
The 11-track album closes with the piano-driven “That’s What I Get for Loving You,” and “A Place to Hang My Hat,” yet another duet with the Oak Ridge Boys, where they lend their soaring harmonies.
The Verdict
Overall, Moe Bandy proves to be timeless on this new collection of traditional country tunes. Texas country music has never sounded better. He is able to form a strong connection with his listeners, and he allows the music to speak for itself. This CD garners 4.5 out of 5 stars
For more information on veteran country star Moe Bandy and his new record, check out his official homepage.
