Ronnie Dunn

iTunes Review

In his first solo outing since his split with partner Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn tips his hat to his bar-band roots while revealing a more intimate side to his country-superstar persona. Brooks and Dunn devotees will find plenty to like in this collection of dance-floor workouts, romantic slow tunes and working-class character sketches. Beyond this, Dunn tones down the Texas-sized swagger that typified his previous work and delivers some of his best vocal performances in some time. The rousing upbeat tracks “Singer In a Cowboy Band” and “Let the Cowboy Rock” are rousing honky-tonk stompers carrying plenty of bite. “How Far to Waco” adds a dash of Southwestern spice with mariachi horns and chicken-picking guitar licks. The album’s ballads are a cut above usual Nashville fare, with “Last Love I’m Tryin’” and “Love Owes Me One” standing out for their slow-burning tenderness. Particularly impressive are “Cost of Livin’” (a poignant glimpse of hard times in the heartland) and “Bleed Red” (a ballad of forgiveness and healing).