There ain't no other man I'd rather be...

While a good chunk of America was fixated on the spectacle that was American Idol, another Star Search knockoff, Nashville Star, has for four years now generated a buzz with record labels looking for the next big country thing. The first season alone is noteworthy due to the triumph of Buddy Jewell, a journeyman over-40 demo trad-country singer that totally flies in the face of the usual Nashville machine. After winning, Jewell put out an enjoyable self-titled debut album with the help of Clint Black. With a #1 country album and two top-5 country/top-40 pop songs under his belt, things were looking up.

However, the "sophomore slump" complex came by in a big way with Jewell's follow-up, Times Like These. Where his first album was an earnest mix of upbeat pickers and easy-going ballads, this album goes straight for the Branson blue-hair crowd. Everything seems bland and pre-screened for red-state consumption, from the simple "Me Lovin' You" to the hokey "Dyess Arkansas", nothing really grabs you. The two songs that have any staying power are the Valentine's-ready "If She Were Any Other Woman" and the somewhat perkier "So Gone".

Unfortunately, since this album stalled after only one single, Jewell parted ways with Columbia records. I think Clint Black should take him under his wing again at Equity Records and put out a record more in the vein of Jewell's debut.

Grade: D+
Best Cuts: "If She Were Any Other Woman", "So Gone"
Weakest Links: "Me Lovin' You", "Dyess Oklahoma"
You'd Like if You Like: Going to Branson, Missouri; Alabama's softer side

Times Like These hit Country #5 and Pop #31.
"If She Were Any Other Woman" hit Country #27

Buy Times Like These here or here.

Listen to "If She Were Any Other Woman" here.