ALBUM REVIEW: The Oak Ridge Boys "It's Only Natural" (Cracker Barrel exclusive)
The Oak Ridge Boys teamed up with the fine folks at Cracker Barrel to produce an exclusive album with 5 brand new songs and a load of other favorites. While the 12-track album dropped a few months ago, there is no greater Mother's Day or Father's Day gift than "It's Only Natural" from the Oak Ridge Boys.
The album begins with "What'cha Gonna Do," which has an upbeat, melodic sound that deserves to be a major country chart hit for the Oak Ridge Boys. "Before I Die" is another new song that has radio potential. The sincerity of the vocal performance is mesmerizing. "The Shade" has much of the same charm.
However, the best new song on the album is "Wish You Could Have Been There." The song has cultural relevance and an uplifting chorus that is both memorable and heartwarming. The bluegrass infused "Sacrifice … For Me" brings the Oak Ridge Boys back to their country roots, and the story in song has a political message that will resonate to patriotic American country music fans.
A re-recording of the classic Oak Ridge Boys hit "Elvira" is performed with a gospel-tinged fervency that is palpable. The classic "True Heart" showcases the group's melodic brilliance, and the hard-edged country blues track "Gonna Take A Lot of River" ups the fun quotient in a major way. Concert audiences love this track, and it helps this recorded album sparkle as well. Likewise, the classic Oak Ridge Boys vocal blend is front and center with "No Matter How High" and "Lucky Moon."
"It's Only Natural" is a top-notch, creative country album from the veteran Oak Ridge Boys. Indeed, the boys prove that there's a lot of life left in the group, and the evidence presented here shows that the band could possibly find their way back to the top of the country chart with the right song. Yes, "It's Only Natural" might be a great gift, but you'll also want to head out to Cracker Barrel and grab a copy for yourself as well. CountryChart.com
However, the best new song on the album is "Wish You Could Have Been There." The song has cultural relevance and an uplifting chorus that is both memorable and heartwarming. The bluegrass infused "Sacrifice … For Me" brings the Oak Ridge Boys back to their country roots, and the story in song has a political message that will resonate to patriotic American country music fans.
A re-recording of the classic Oak Ridge Boys hit "Elvira" is performed with a gospel-tinged fervency that is palpable. The classic "True Heart" showcases the group's melodic brilliance, and the hard-edged country blues track "Gonna Take A Lot of River" ups the fun quotient in a major way. Concert audiences love this track, and it helps this recorded album sparkle as well. Likewise, the classic Oak Ridge Boys vocal blend is front and center with "No Matter How High" and "Lucky Moon."
"It's Only Natural" is a top-notch, creative country album from the veteran Oak Ridge Boys. Indeed, the boys prove that there's a lot of life left in the group, and the evidence presented here shows that the band could possibly find their way back to the top of the country chart with the right song. Yes, "It's Only Natural" might be a great gift, but you'll also want to head out to Cracker Barrel and grab a copy for yourself as well. CountryChart.com