The Outlaws – It’s About Pride
Rocket Science Ventures
www.outlawmusic.com

Rating: A

The Outlaws have, once again, surprised the masses by releasing what could possibly be the best album of their career. The vocals, lyrics, guitars, guitars and more guitars are executed with the same formula of piss and vinegar, with a dash of country, and a boat load of rock and roll, as their most classic songs.

Originals Henry Paul and Monte Yoho have pulled off the impossible by crafting such a great album without the late Hughie Thomasson, who was as much the heart and soul of the band as is Paul.

“Tomorrow’s Another Night” is a great song that kicks off this rock and roll hoedown with plenty of guitar harmonies. “Nothin’ Main About Main Street” is another killer Outlaws song that you will swear came out in 1974. The country flavored “Hidin’ Out in Tennessee” is the best song on the album and should be a crossover hit.

“Trail of Tears,” “It’s About Pride,” “Alex’s Song” and “Trouble Rides a Fast Horse” all harkens back to the days when the rock radio was shanghaied away from pop acts and blasted the likes of the Outlaws, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and the Marshall Tucker Band. The album ending “So Long” is an epic song that leaves the listener wanting more.

This is one of those albums that keeps calling you back to it. It is southern fried perfection and, as mentioned earlier, came out of nowhere. It is an album that must be listened to from start to finish and the guitar playing on this album will have your jaw on the floor and your fist in the air.

This may just be the best release, so far, in 2012.

This one goes down well with a cold beer, a hot bowl of chili and, for dessert, a little pinch between your cheek and gum.

By Jeb Wright