Search - Montgomery Gentry :: Back When I Knew It All

Best MG album since My Town

Tony | East Coast, USA | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been an MG fan since "Hillbilly Shoes" first came out in 1999 and have purchased every one of their albums since. I've always believed 2002's "My Town" to be the best record of their careers because it had such a consistent sound and rocked harder than most of their previous work ("Hell Yeah," "Good Clean Fun," etc). I consider it to be one of the best records of the decade, period - country or not.



I listen to 2006's "Some People Change" and, while it was a decent album with some classics (three top 5 singles), it was a little too much of a departure from their hard-edged sound and the material wasn't quite as strong. I enjoyed it, but was slightly disappointed.



Fast forward to 2008's "Back When I Knew It All" and I honestly have to say it is just about on par with "My Town." Each song legitimately sounds like it could be a top 5 single on country radio today, which speaks wonders about the strength of this material compared to other artists who pack an album with filler. Here's my brief thoughts on each song:



1.) The Big Revival - I could do without the 45 second preacher intro, but this song may rock harder than most anything they've recorded before. It's a great way to pump up the crowd for a concert opener, with both Eddie & Troy alternating vocals.

2.) Long Line of Losers - Solid straightforward country song from Eddie. I have a feeling this could see the same massive success on radio as "Lucky Man."

3.) Now You're Talkin' - Troy belts out this uptempo rocker and creates a vibe similar to "Hell Yeah." Very catchy.

4.) Back When I Knew It All - The hit first single with shared vocals from E&T. Believe it or not, as great as this song is it may even be the weakest song on the disc. The other tracks are just that good!

5.) Roll With Me - I believe this will be the 2nd single, and deservedly so. Troy has smooth vocals on this slower tune and the song itself has an unbelievable groove to it. The lyrics are also of great substance and will even attract fans outside of MG's immediate fanbase. Guaranteed hit!

6.) One In Every Crowd - A fun party song with both E&T that will surely be a hit at live shows.

7.) Look Some More - My favorite song on the album. A great upbeat southern rock track that almost every guy will be able to relate to. Troy puts a lot of power behind it and the prominent slide lead guitar makes this a great highlight!

8.) I Pick My Parties - I can easily see this energetic, upbeat party duet with Toby Keith turning into a #1 hit on radio. I doubt it will be released as a single, but fans will love and enjoy it.

9.) One Trip - Another southern rock tune from Troy with a power chorus. A tad more subdued than the heavy hitters like "Now You're Talkin" and "Look Some More," it still packs a punch.

10.) It Ain't About Easy - A great uptempo song with Eddie, who tends to give his songs a little more of a country flavor than Troy's.

11.) God Knows Who I Am - The only true slowed down ballad on the CD, it is well sung and co-written by Eddie, about being comfortable in his own skin despite his rough edges.



Overall, "Back When I Knew It All" is Montgomery Gentry's second best album behind "My Town" and, after some more listens, may tie or surpass it as the best work of their career. Every track is strong and brings MG back to the rock sound they were missing on "Some People Change." Nine out of eleven of the songs are mid-to-fast paced, which will please fans looking for music to really get into. A great effort from country music's most talented & overlooked duo!



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UPDATE 7/17/08:

Now that I've had over a month to listen to this album, I can confidently say this is by far the best record Montgomery Gentry has produced thus far - even better than "My Town" which I praised so much in my original review. The songs hold up remarkably well after countless repeat listens. If you're a fan of country music, southern rock, or just really great music about real life do yourself a favor and pick up a copy!"