Search - Joe Nichols :: Real Things

Keeping Up The Good Work

Paul W. Dennis | Winter Springs, FL USA | 08/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Other than Brad Paisley, I cannot think of another of the current Nashville acts that has as good a grasp on what is or isn't country music than Joe Nichols. This album simply is a delight from start to finish.



The opening track "Real Things" sets a nice placemat for the current single "Another Side of You" (currently a top 25 and rising). For this album Nichols has tapped the cream of Nashville's songwriting community for good songs. Only one old song was selected for the album and that is the late Blaze Foley's classic "If I Could Only Fly" performed here as a duet with Lee Ann Womack and with the legendary John Hughey on steel guitar (Paul Franklin plays steel on the remaining tracks where steel is used). All of the material is top-flight and my only fear is that it may prove "too country" for today's wimpy country radio.



The copy of the CD I purchased has a 14th track on it, a wry song titled "When I'm Hurtin' " in which a country singer apologizes to the audience that the only time he really sings well is you know when. This song is easily a 5 star effort and should be released as a single"

Good Job Joe

Matthew B. Cravens | Lebanon, OH United States | 08/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Nichols is back again with his new album, 'Real Things', which hit stores today. This is the fourth studio album for Nichols, and he displays his vocal range and musical maturity here better than any other record he has released so far. From the opening track "Real Things" to the last one, "If I Could Only Fly", this album is full of quality songs. This is not Nichols' best work, but it's so close to it you can hardly tell. Joe Nichols stays true to his traditional sound on this record, and it shows on each track. This artist is definitely not one of these flavor-of-the-month types that come out of Nashville so repeatedly these days. With a voice and talent like his, it is my belief that he will be around for many, many years to come, recording great albums and making great music. It is hard sometimes to produce both quality and quantity on the same project, but Nichols does so here. There are 13 tracks, and rest assured there are no "filler" songs taking up space here. The album clocks in at just under 50 minutes, and every minute is well worth your time. The prime cuts on this album are "Real Things", "Another Side of You", "My Whiskey Years", "It Ain't No Crime", "If I Could Only Fly", and "Let's Get Drunk and Fight", this collection's answer to "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off". Joe Nichols sings about loving "real things" on this record. Well, I love real country music and this album delivers. I highly recommend 'Real Things'."

When it all comes together..

James Hightower | Fort Worth, TX USA | 01/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Real things. Such an appropriate title. This record, unlike so many other pop/country releases you see week after week, is the real thing.



Joe Nichols gets a little bit of that naive, wide eyed, Rogers, Arkansas boy back with his latest release. Of all country releases this year, nothing can hold a candle to Real things.



From the very get-go of the title track, Nichols hooks you, and begins to reel you in with his smooth baritone. It is almost as if he is telling you his life story throughout every track.



With the sweet tenderness of "Another side of you" to the raucous honky tonkin "Comin back in a cadillac" Nichols leaves no feeling and emotion unturned. He seems to soothe and salve his own soul in the ballad "My whiskey years".



Nichols continues to show that he can let his vocal restraint go sometimes with the non-traditional sure fire hit "It aint no crime". But the best tracks are when he does show that restraint. Nichols does a great job of revving you up, and then slowing you back down with this offering. Going from the witty "Lets get drunk and fight" to the seemingly solemn "All I need is a heart" is proof alone if you dont believe me.



Nichols closes it all out with cult hero Blaze Foley's "If i could only fly" with Lee Ann Womack. A tune anyone who has ever loved can definately identify with. Nichols seems as if he is talking to you, and you cant help but listen.



Nichols all in all hits a home run with Real Things. On a scale of 5 stars, I give it about 12. In a world of country music where some folks just seem to pay lip service to country music's history and traditions, Joe Nichols uses it as his foundation. While it may not sell 4 million copies, Real Things is the best release of his career, and probably of the year.



However I believe we will all see Joe Nichols in country music's spotlight here in 2008, and well deservedly so. And when it all comes together, it will be something you dont want to miss."