Search - Van Zant :: My Kind of Country (Sba2)

Joseph S. (hamsterdad) from GRANTS PASS, OR
Reviewed on 3/25/2010...

I am a big fan of both the Van Zant brothers, and especially some of the work they've done together. Once again they do not disappoint. Unfortunately this cd did not have a big radio hit to move it out into the hands of casual or new fans, but it is a must have for die hard Van Zant listeners. It's got their usual blend of thoughtful emotion provoking songs like "friend" that just leave you, and their rowdy rockers as well.

Van Zant's Kind of Country Still Rocks

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 10/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: That Scares Me, Goes Down Easy, Friend



Country music has come to Van Zant. With radio's recent proclivity towards raise-the-roof Southern rock thanks to Big and Rich, Montgomery Gentry, and Brooks and Dunn, country music has opened its doors to the likes of rock veterans Johnny (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Donnie (.38 Special)Van Zant. Their debut for Columbia Nashville Records "Get Right with the Man" was 2005's success story garnering them two top 20 hits. So, it's no surprise that "My Kind of Country" adopts the same musical template as its predecessor with the abundance of wild rebellious roar as well as a few sensitive ballads thrown in. Produced by Justin Niebank (whose CV includes working with Vince Gill & Marty Stuart) and Mark Wright (Gretchen Wilson), "My Kind of Country" also boasts the best of Nashville's most sort after scribes including Rivers Rutherford, David Lee Murphy, Bob DiPero, and Jeffrey Steele, just to name drop a few.



Lead single "That Scares Me" is easily this album's best song. A change of pace from their rough and rowdy ways, "That Scares Me" is a mature ballad of a man coming of age confessing his fears of fatherhood especially when his son were to ask him about his "history, the things I don't want him to know/the sex, the drugs and the rock and roll." Despite their reputation as rockers, when these boys croon a ballad they are surprisingly splendid as evidenced by "Friend," a beautiful tribute to the protagonist's lady friend for her companionship and love over the years. Though more upbeat, "It's All About You" speaks of a much needed romantic R & R with a melodious Brooks and Dunn affinity that is just winsome.



Romance aside, Van Zant also deals with lofty subjects such as the transient nature of wealth on "It's Only Monday." Told within a narrative framework that recalls a Western movie, this Anthony Smith and David Lee Murphy composition is creative and refreshing. "This Colors Don't Run" is Van Zant's flag waver, although lyrically it's a little humdrum; it adds nothing new to the issue of patriotism. The title cut "My Kind of Country" and "Headed South" are rock anthems to the South. Surrounded with a wall of thunderous drums and screaming guitars, they are fun to listen to without being substantial. Much better is sophomore single "Goes Down Easy" with its pseudo-bar-like call and response chorus finds the boys desperately trying to soothe their broken hearts with whatever means they could get their hands on.



It is certainly country music's honor to have Van Zant on their airwaves. This is because these brothers are more than just average rock band. The years of singing have created a depth in their performances that is hard to find in younger acts. Also, few bands are able to let out their fangs and just let the music rip with a rocking abundance as these guys can. And when they croon a ballad, they can make the hardest of hearts melt. That's talent and that's the kind of country Van Zant brings."

Great CD for country and non-country music fans

D. Queen | Florida | 11/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""My Kind of Country" is the fourth VanZant CD and well worth the wait. VanZant "Brother to Brother" and VanZant II haven't been mentioned in prior reviews and deserve their kudos. All have songs that will have you singing long after the CD is over. "Get Right with the Man" certainly deserves the spotlight it has drawn, but "My Kind of Country" is a CD that both country and non-country music lovers will be pleased to add to their collections. Both Johnny and Donnie have distinct, strong voices that make them the legends they are today. You can feel the pleasure they get from singing and sharing their talent with their listeners. Can't wait to hear the next CD they do together."