Bound and Born (Farmboy Music, 2000)

Iowa-born, Denver-raised, Dustin Bogue is a country singer with a twang in his voice reminiscent of Tim McGraw and Tracy Lawrence. But Bogue is anything but a cover artist or a HNC clone. He's got a pleasing vocal style all his own and he wrote or co-wrote all 10 songs.

The album is a nice mix of rockin' country tunes, like "Red Neckin'" and "A Lesson Learned" and slower, more sensitive ballads like, "She'd Do It All Again." "Red Neckin'" is as good as any up-tempo numbers on the country charts these days. Two other more impressive cuts are "Long Enough," and the title track, "Bound and Born To Lose," a tribute to the lonesome side of country music. Bogue's music is rooted in traditional country, with lots of fiddle and steel guitar, but presented with a strong contemporary feel. This is a delightful album. (303-202-5044, E-Mail: baburri@aol.com)