Outside the Lines (Write On, 2002)
Cory Morrow
Reviewed by Eli Messinger
This release finds Morrow's songwriting maturing from his earlier booze-soaked works (not entirely missing, mind you) to introspective songs of romance, morality and faith. Celtic-flavored love songs such as "More Than Perfect" and lamentations like "(Love Me) Like You Used To Do," find Morrow probing deeply into the complexities of relationships. Many of the tracks, fleshed out with producer Lloyd Maines, lean on acoustic playing, but Morrow still kicks up some electric two-steppers, including the title tune and "Straight to Hell." The standout "Drinkin' Alone" combines a shuffle rhythm with fiddle and steel to make a danceable tune out of a rather sad tale.
The craft and balance of Morrow's latest situates his music between the singer-songwriter sound of Bruce Robison and the graceful sophistication of Clint Black. It's a mix that would play well outside of Texas, if only Morrow could find the time to tour abroad. (512-264-0030)
CDs by Cory Morrow


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