A big, longhaired Southern boy with a beard and black hat, Clay Davidson would like to be perceived as the latest in the line of Southern outlaw country-rockers that extends back through Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., an... more »d Waylon Jennings. He wrote or cowrote 7 of the 11 tracks on this debut album, including the chugging "One More Day" and the barstool sing-along "We're All Here," and his soulful voice at times recalls Gregg Allman and Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant. But there's something conditional about Davidson's outlaw pose. Jennings and Bocephus--genuinely unconditional individualists both--fought for the right to use their own bands in the studio. Although Davidson is shown on the front and back of his album holding an electric guitar, he actually plays it only once; a brief solo on the simple-minded "My Best Friends and Me." All the other guitar parts are supplied by the usual Nashville suspects. We wouldn't want this outlaw thing to get out of hand again, now would we? --Rick Mitchell« less
A big, longhaired Southern boy with a beard and black hat, Clay Davidson would like to be perceived as the latest in the line of Southern outlaw country-rockers that extends back through Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., and Waylon Jennings. He wrote or cowrote 7 of the 11 tracks on this debut album, including the chugging "One More Day" and the barstool sing-along "We're All Here," and his soulful voice at times recalls Gregg Allman and Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant. But there's something conditional about Davidson's outlaw pose. Jennings and Bocephus--genuinely unconditional individualists both--fought for the right to use their own bands in the studio. Although Davidson is shown on the front and back of his album holding an electric guitar, he actually plays it only once; a brief solo on the simple-minded "My Best Friends and Me." All the other guitar parts are supplied by the usual Nashville suspects. We wouldn't want this outlaw thing to get out of hand again, now would we? --Rick Mitchell
"I've only seen Clay's video on "Unconditional" and have since listened to Amazon's snippets of some others but I have to say I'm inpressed with his sincerity and soulfulness. I've loved the song since I first saw it and I felt that Clay's voice and actions during the video showed me that he truly believes what he sings about. You can't just mouth the words to a country fan, you have to make them believe it too- good job Clay. I plan on buying this CD as soon as it finds its way to Alaska."
Unconditional..One great song.
Don Poore | Knoxville, Tn. | 04/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I attended a live coming out performance by Clay last night presented by WIVK in Knoxville Tn. Clay stood there alone with his guitar and mike.He made one of the most talented performances that I have heard without assisted electronics. He is pure southern rock/country. The song "Unconditional" is fantastic and straight from his soul. The look in his eyes and actions confirm that he is a man with his feet on the ground and he will always remember where he came from. I too, came from Saltville, and it is a very close knit community full of proud people. Good luck Clay..."
Unconditional CD harks back to sound of country
Don Poore | 05/24/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Scott Hendricks has found a guy with real sound; not just a sorta boring dude in a slick hat. Clay's voice, while not exhibiting outstanding range, is smooth while roughly raw enough to sound like he's inhaled enough of customer's smoke in crowded bars in which he's played. Fine song structure and real sound of country, with good guitar filler thru the songs. Lyricallly nothing fancy, but I mean this in a good way; good play on words in many songs. Fine energy. I'd give this 4-1/2 stars, the main drawback being the production may be a bit too slick. I'd like to attend one of Clay's shows and hear him perform with free rein -- perhaps a bit more raw."
One of the Best
Jennifer Lockhart | Western Kentucky | 05/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clay Davidson definately has another hit with "Sometimes" to follow "Unconditional". He is one of the few new truly country artists left with the onslought of people using country to break into the pop charts. This CD is definately worth the money. He has a great voice, and some great songs on this CD. If you only have enough money for one CD, this one is the one you buy."
Unconditional is just the start!
Don Poore | 09/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"unconditional is good, but"cant lie to me" is even better. it touches on an issue that is often scoffed at. The personal life of a pro wrestler. I really see Clay going far. He has a voice that is screaming to be heard.......Good luck Clay....and the video was awesome!"