My Kind of Music (Warner, 2005)

On the title track, we learn of Ray Scott's love for country music, but after listening to his 14-track debut, it's clear to see how Waylon Jennings, David Allen Coe and Johnny Cash had an influence. "My Kind of Music" is a tongue-in-cheek tune about a man who's date can't appreciate country music. The North Carolina native namechecks his favorite country singers and legendary songs in a radio-friendly country song.

But Scott offers much more with an album that has a feel of blues, rock and even funk, but there's no mistaking his deep baritone as country.

A small town livin' theme runs through most of the album, especially on "Rats Don't Race" and "Makin' My Way," where Scott sings, "I've never counted on nepotism." "Dirty Shirt" delivers the age-old message of not judging a book by its cover, and "Plowboy" will appeal to classic country fans. In "Plowboy" - a tune about a farm kid with dreams of chasing his dreams in the big city- Scott talks through the song like many Cash, Coe and many others used to do.

Scott shines on "Bear With Me Lord," the album's lone gospel track, and "Gypsy," a song about an inability to stay in one place.