Brett Eldredge (Atlantic Nashville, 2013)

Brett Eldredge may have just released his debut record, "Bring You Back," but it's been a long time coming. It's been three years since the artist dropped his first single, Raymond, the heartwarming tale of a minimum wage janitor who brings joy and hope to a patient battling dementia in a nursing home. That track set the stage for two more tracks to impact the radio waves, although neither did so much, and now, fans finally get to hear the entire project.

Eldredge has big, nuanced soulful voice. Pleasantly gravelly, yet rich and resonant, the artist surprises with his big vocal character, singing his way through 12 tracks, sharing writing credits on all, with poise and passion. He manages to showcase classic country playfulness on tracks like Tell Me Where To Park, Gotta Get There, and Beat of the Music while Signs plumbs the familiar territory of small town life.

But it's when Eldredge turns to matters of the heart that he really shines. Bring You Back is an emotional heartwrencher, it's tale of love broken love accented by poignant piano tones and a driving chorus and is a highlight, sharing that place with more piano and great heartbroken imagery on One Mississippi. Waited Too Long rounds out this great trail tears and broken hearts, Eldredge's honest lyrics and powerful vocals lending an authenticity to each and every one.

Colored through with songs that speak to the heart and framed in a radio friendly format, not to mention fueled by Eldredge's voice, "Bring You Back" is a promising debut from the Illinois native.