Review: Brandon Kinney "Smells Like Texas"
With songs like "Pull My Finger," it would be easy to write Brandon Kinney off as a country comedy act. But that would be a mistake, because Brandon Kinney is a prolific songwriter who's written tracks for Randy Travis, Lonestar, and even has a new song (Ain't Goin' Down On Brokeback Mountain) on Willie Nelson's new album "Lost Highway." By the way, "Pull My Finger" is actually a melodic, surprisingly hummable classic country track.
Brandon Kinney flexes his Texas country muscle with his current radio single, the feel-good "Hicks" which he co-wrote with Trent Willmon. This cut is making it's way up the Texas country charts and deservedly so. Kinney has a unique, country voice that resonates authenticity and fun. "Hicks" has a killer melody that has an anthem-like quality which will make it a popular sing-along song at live concerts.
The biggest surprise on "Smells Like Texas" is the album's final track - a tender ballad "Rough Crowd" with guest vocals by John Anderson. This song allows listeners to get a more complete picture of Brandon Kinney the man. Sure, Kinney is probably the most fun-lovin' guy you'll ever come across, but, at the end of the day, even Brandon Kinney stays true to his West Texas roots by respecting faith and family. Kinney sings: "I thank God, Jesus runs with the rough crowd." Amen to that.
Brandon Kinney's "Smells Like Texas" is remarkable for its singular focus on no-holds-barred honesty. He sings about the things - very personal things - that friends and lovers talk about in the privacy of their own backyards and bedrooms. While Brandon Kinney uses humor to initially disarm listeners, each track offers a country life lesson. So get out a clothespin, because "Smells Like Texas" deserves a permanent place in your truck's CD player. CountryChart.com