With an ear toward the past and an eye on the future, Chris Young is quickly distinguishing himself as a newcomer who honors Country music's best traditions while adding a fresh new chapter to the genre's legacy. With his ... more »rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing relatable, slice-of-life songs, Young's sophomore project showcases a new traditionalist poised to take his place among his musical heroes. Features the single 'Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)'.« less
With an ear toward the past and an eye on the future, Chris Young is quickly distinguishing himself as a newcomer who honors Country music's best traditions while adding a fresh new chapter to the genre's legacy. With his rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing relatable, slice-of-life songs, Young's sophomore project showcases a new traditionalist poised to take his place among his musical heroes. Features the single 'Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)'.
"I was hooked on Chris's voice right after his first appearance on Nashville Star. I've lived in Nashville for over 30 years, so I've heard a lot of good and bad newcomers over the years and I'm here to tell you that Chris is one of the best I've ever heard. His voice is unbelievable! There's a lot of "magic" that happens in the studios with a lot of artists so that the sound you hear on a CD or on the radio is not the same as what you'll hear live. This is not the case with Chris Young. I've heard him live quite a few times over the years (and as recently as 3 nights ago) and he is the rare breed that actually sounds best live with just an acoustic guitar. If you ever get the chance to see his live show, you will not be disappointed.
"The Man I Want To Be" is a great sophomore album. His first CD was good too, but in comparing the two, this newest CD portrays a much more mature choice of songs and seems to be better put together. I like the entire album from start to finish, but my personal favorite is "Voices". I also like "The Dashboard" and "The Shoebox."
Bottom line, Chris Young is a great artist and this is a great CD. Just buy it, you won't be disappointed."
Amazing!
S. Snow | Vermont, USA | 09/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album came out on my birthday, and what a birthday present it was! Some tracks are meaningful and full of advice, like Shoebox. Others are just plain fun. The track "The Dashboard" is worth the price of the CD as it is one brother making a tribute to another who served overseas. 21 candles is fun and up beat. I definitely recommend buying the CD in any form you can."
An Enjoyable and Addictive Album
Rowan | Iowa, USA | 12/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chris Young is one of the freshest and most creative artists I've come across. I caught a video of his on TV one day and decided to check out his album, "The Man I Want to Be." It's simply amazing. The CD kick-starts with `That Makes Me,' an upbeat, sassy show of pride for Young's various interests that may make him a `hick' or `hillbilly,' but he doesn't care.
One of the shining stars of the album is definitely `Gettin' You Home.' It's fun and romantic. Young's deep, rich vocals definitely help out each song, especially on this track. It's very `country' yet he has his own style. The album ends with a very relaxing song titled `Rainy Night in Georgia,' a song originally by American singer-songwriter Tony Joe White.
I'm not a diehard fan of country music but artists like Chris Young really draw me into the genre. But in the end, I don't think about what genre this album is in. It's just a good CD. The only thing I'd criticize is the length of the album. It has only ten tracks. I hope Young has longer albums in the future.
I highly recommend "The Man I Want to Be" not only to country fans but to anyone who enjoys fun, thoughtful and clever music. You won't be disappointed.
"
POSSIBLY THIS YEAR'S BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
steelholler | Madrid.-Spain | 09/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After his first and good album Chris Young has got another winner with The Man I Want To Be, his voice is deep and pure Country and the selection of songs is also outstanding, the first single Gettin'You Home deserves to climb the top of the charts, both the ballads and honky-tonkers tunes are terrific such as: The Shoebox, The Man I Want To Be, The Dashboard and the duet along with Willie Nelson, Rose In Paradise, he covers the classic Rainy Night In Georgia with a great talent.
Today's Country Music needs many artists as Chris Young to keep the tradition alive, if you are a true Country Music lover get this CD quickly you won't be disappointed, every track and Chris Young are the real thing.-"