Singing, "I never bought into psychological stuff / And never claimed to be a bona fide genius" on "Venus," Anthony Smith, the writer of hits for George Strait and Montgomery Gentry, summarizes what makes his decidedly uns... more »ubtle debut effort so elemental and convincing. "If That Ain't Country" and "Up to the Depth" reflect his direct yet witty, idiosyncratic lyrical spins filtered through a snarling voice. "Metropolis" conjures up Scarecrow-era John Mellencamp, the rocker closest to Smith's style. Delivered in his best raconteur mode, the witty, engaging "Airborn" tells a tale of a stunt daredevil finding romance. Bobby Terry's edgy, focused production mixes acoustic instruments with punchy amplified backing. The result? An atmosphere devoid of power ballads, empty metaphors, radio froth, and other unbearable Nashville clichés. Even Smith's reflective side avoids the bathos that undercuts many current singers. If anyone could bridge the gap between alt-country and the mainstream, Smith may be the one. In today's style-obsessed climate, it's like hearing Waylon or Hank. Jr. for the first time. --Rich Kienzle« less
Singing, "I never bought into psychological stuff / And never claimed to be a bona fide genius" on "Venus," Anthony Smith, the writer of hits for George Strait and Montgomery Gentry, summarizes what makes his decidedly unsubtle debut effort so elemental and convincing. "If That Ain't Country" and "Up to the Depth" reflect his direct yet witty, idiosyncratic lyrical spins filtered through a snarling voice. "Metropolis" conjures up Scarecrow-era John Mellencamp, the rocker closest to Smith's style. Delivered in his best raconteur mode, the witty, engaging "Airborn" tells a tale of a stunt daredevil finding romance. Bobby Terry's edgy, focused production mixes acoustic instruments with punchy amplified backing. The result? An atmosphere devoid of power ballads, empty metaphors, radio froth, and other unbearable Nashville clichés. Even Smith's reflective side avoids the bathos that undercuts many current singers. If anyone could bridge the gap between alt-country and the mainstream, Smith may be the one. In today's style-obsessed climate, it's like hearing Waylon or Hank. Jr. for the first time. --Rich Kienzle
Jim G. (thangamalang) from EMMETSBURG, IA Reviewed on 3/2/2011...
This is music to my ears! I think the tunes are well written with depth and serious thought penned. I heard this guy on I think RadioIO.altcountry or TexasFreeRadio on the net and decided this CD should be mine. Excellent work, fine crafted, well recorded.
CD Reviews
One of the best albums I've ever purchased
Travis | South Georgia, USA | 02/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have never felt obligated to write anything about an artist on here but I had to put down my thoughts on Anthony Smith. I hardly ever purchase any "new country" but after listening to some of the samples of this album on here I was blown away by the traditional sound and knew I had to get it. I can't figure out why he didn't release more than 3 songs off of this CD. Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 are all bona fide hits. And I'm not talking about just your average country radio "hits" these are true country songs that Willie, Waylon and David Allan Coe would have all been proud to sing. I can't figure out why this guy isn't a superstar right now. He's been mostly known as a songwriter but his voice has that perfect "outlaw" sound to it. If you're a true country music fan you owe it to yourself to buy this album. Anthony, your first one was a masterpiece, can't wait to see what you have for us in the future!!"
My favorite record this year....
John S. Macy | Aurora, CO United States | 07/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow, I love everything about this record. Besides the stunning songs and awesome voice, this record absolutely kicks sonic butt with a killer mix by Brian Tankersley. But the most amazing thing is the band--fresh, tight and punchy. Then I read the liner notes and find it is produced and recorded by Bobby Terry. Cool. Then I read a little farther, and find "all instruments and background vocals by Bobby Terry". Who is this guy??? It's pretty easy to pick out one man band records, but not here. This guy is a killer. Oh yeah, did I mention the songs are killer and he sings great, with a depth that belies his age. Order it now--you will not be disappointed!"
I don't even LIKE country, and this album rocks.
Jordan D | California | 09/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My musical tastes stretch from underground hip hop to classic rock to punk and back, but I rarely delve into the country. However, I heard Smith's "If That Ain't Country" by accident, and I was hooked. The lyrics he's strung together on this album are entertaining at worst, and brilliant at best. Personally, I think "Who Invented the Wheel" has some of the most original song-writing behind it that I've heard in a long time. Some of the songs are borderline alterna-country-rock, and others are pretty much pure country, but all of them are fun to listen to and surprisingly easy to get hooked on. Don't take my word for it; go listen to a couple songs and see if you're not pleased. Trust me, it'll be the best 13 dollars you've spent in a while if you buy this cd."
Absolutely the Best Album!
Robert Hill | Northern Virginia | 04/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album needs more reviews to ensure everyone gets a chance to listen to it. Without more said, it is one of the best written collection of songs you will probably ever hear. Anthony Smith is well-known with his songwriting hits for other artists, but on his first album you will get to hear the man himself give voice (and what a voice it is) to HIS music. He reminds me of the great talent of John Prine, who has been refered to as one of America's greatest songwriters; I believe Anthony Smith will be viewed in the same light in the years to come. So, that being said, it shouldn't surprise you to know his follow-up album is first on my list."
It doesn't get any better than this!!
Cindy Loftin | Antioch, TN United States | 03/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All I can say is this is an incredible CD from start to finish. Living in Nashville I'm lucky enough to see Anthony around town about once a month.....if you like this CD wait till you hear the new music!!!! He is a wonderful person as well."