Allan headlines Country Throwdown

Ruthless

Much of Gary Allan's "Ruthless" leans toward the big, booming production so common in contemporary country today. Even so, Allen also has one of the most compelling male voices in country music; one that more often than not cuts right through all the over embellishments. On top of that, this 13-song collection has far more winners than losers. The biggest and best surprise is one titled "SEX." Yes, it's a song about sex – albeit, without being dirty. ...

Set You Free

Gary Allan sets it straight where his musical universe is at when he starts the disc with the words "That was a tough good bye" in Tough Goodbye. You know this is not going to be an easy, joyful ride throughout these dozen songs mainly constricted to heartache and hurting, just as Allan's past would indicate. A look at the song titles - It Ain't the Whiskey, You Without Me, Hungover Heart - makes that abundantly clear. The number one hit Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) is a ...

Get Off on the Pain

The title may not evoke pretty images, and Gary Allan makes it clear where he's coming from, starting with the title. This is not the feel-good, pop country infiltrating the country airwaves these days. Life and especially love ain't easy at all, and Allan makes damn sure you know that in case it wasn't absolutely, positively clear. Allan's voice is killer, easily one of country's best, and he utilizes that to great effect here (as usual). There's a tremendous ...