Whatever Comes First (Epic, 1997)

Judging by their looks, this band ain't country. And in this case, looks don't lie. Nevertheless, the Sons of the Desert, raised on the likes of the Eagles and Jackson Browne and refined on the Texas club scene, have the makings of country's next supergroup.

Drew Womack is clearly the central figure with his expressive voice and surprising songwriting talent, but the rest of the band provides tight instrumental backup and pretty harmonies. The catchy top-ten hit "Whatever Comes First" is just one of many solid uptempo songs. "When It's Right" is a simple song about true love, but the harmonies on the title line make it memorable. "Hand of Fate," one of just three songs from outside writers, tells a cute story about new love. As great a knack as this band has for turning out well-written, catchy, uptempo tunes, the standout is a ballad called "Leaving October," in which the singer's third-grade daughter encourages him to get over the death of her mother. If only all New Country were done this well.