The change of record company attracts many artists a long-held style change by itself. After the career of Joe Nichols in Show Dog Records was last fall somewhat stalled, the question remained open as to whether the change to Red Bow Records (Sublevel from Broken Bow) draws the expected musical clearance by yourself. The title "Crickets" initially promised a certain nature-earth approach, which is, however, reversed by return mail after grillenzirpenden intro into its opposite. The opener "Just let me fall in love with you" suggests that the charismatic bard from Arkansas of the commercial cake, which is currently being distributed in large pieces on the Country Radio, want abhaben its share. So we hear at the beginning perfectly staged Modern Country in smooth radio-friendly design with catchy hooks and the genre usual leisure topics. With the support of renowned professionals like scene Brett Beavers, Jason Sellers, Eric Paslay and Ashley Gorley this scam is systematically pursued by 4.Song "Yeah", the latter should have the greatest Hitpotenziale due to its anthemic chorus. After that, it is a breath first and Joe Nichols offers evidence that he has to fear when it comes to vocal charisma anyone in the industry. "Billy Graham's Bible" is a pleasant-reduced Country ballad, followed by the grand, sweet-tender "Better than beautiful". After taking "Crickets" with "Gotta love it" up speed again, reminiscent in style hook to Easton Corbin. The lead single, "Sunny and 75" is a smash hit with its grandiose 80s pop-rock attitude something like the benchmark for all other single compilations taken. If you want to connect with the core of the song, which had recommended the great acoustic session from the Blackbird Studios. In order to cover the last facet of the Modern Country genre, Joe Nichols can now follow his soul in Rowdy "Y'ant to" and "Hee Haw" quite skillfully flash. Whether, however, the Quotensauflied "Open up a can" had to be really, the live audience will ultimately decide. After this brilliant, commercially-motivated performances comes to an end almost apologetically but then the traditionalist to the fore. "Old school country song" is certainly not a second "Brokenheartsville" but a statement that the roots of the native Country Guys reveals. After solid Haggard cover "Footlights" the album closes with the title track "Crickets" to have taken a big step towards radio presence in the consciousness, waiving musical experiments.
Conclusion: In 16 Songs Joe Nichols contributes to the realignment as a modern country singer. Vocally he is traditionally based and striking as usual, though this is overshadowed by the Upbeatdominanz the New Country style here and there on "Crickets". The album as a whole is a well-calculated move, devoid of sound playful risks and should Joe Nichols transported back into the Scene Focus. Under the Sea Radio-compatible tracks likely "Hard to Be Cool", "Yeah" and "Smile on mine" best outlook on future Top 10 rankings.
