Risk (Bonus Track Version)

Album Review

Canadian country star Paul Brandt celebrates his first decade in the genre with this record, his fifth studio effort in twice as many years. Given the album's title, it's appropriate that Risk takes a few more chances than Brandt's past work — and, as a result, it's a bit more rewarding than anticipated. There's plenty of radio-friendly country-pop songs here, such as the opening "Didn't Even See the Dust." And while the lengthy fade out seems to drag the effort down slightly, the singer has much better luck with "The Little Space Between," which is a bit leaner and more concise. From there, Brandt delivers a three-minute, quasi-Southern and rather groovy tune ("Come On & Get Some," which brings to mind the likes of Big & Rich or Montgomery Gentry), an examination of contemporary life and all its gadgetry ("Virtual Life"), and a large, orchestral-tinged power ballad that would give Tim McGraw a run for his money ("That's Worth Fighting For"). The title track, meanwhile, is probably the prettiest sounding track of the bunch, as Brandt doesn't seem determined to force the string-laced song into his natural country niche. The song that seems to be the biggest disappointment, on the other hand, might be the lengthy and somewhat draggy "Hold On (Love Will Find You)," which never truly evolves into anything grand. Fortunately, a song like the gentle and melodic "Scars Are Beautiful" shows the better side of Brandt's work. The same can certainly be said on the tender closer, "Out Here on My Own."