The Foundation (Deluxe Version)
Zac Brown Band
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| Name | Artist | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toes | Zac Brown Band | 4:21 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 2 | Whatever It Is | Zac Brown Band | 3:28 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 3 | Where the Boat Leaves From | Zac Brown Band | 3:42 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 4 | Violin Intro to Free | Zac Brown Band | 1:01 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 5 | Free | Zac Brown Band | 3:48 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 6 | Chicken Fried | Zac Brown Band | 3:57 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 7 | Mary | Zac Brown Band | 2:48 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 8 | Different Kind of Fine | Zac Brown Band | 3:17 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 9 | Highway 20 Ride | Zac Brown Band | 3:49 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 10 | It's Not OK | Zac Brown Band | 4:10 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 11 | Jolene | Zac Brown Band | 4:20 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 12 | Sic 'Em On a Chicken | Zac Brown Band | 3:51 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 13 | Martin (Live In Atlanta) | Zac Brown Band | 4:02 | Album Only | View In iTunes |
| 14 | Let It Go (Live In Atlanta) | Zac Brown Band | 4:23 | Album Only | View In iTunes |
| 15 | Video Chicken Fried (Full Version) | Zac Brown Band | 4:32 | $1.99 | View In iTunes |
| Total: 15 Items |
iTunes Review
On their major label debut, the Zac Brown Band aim for the sweet spot between ‘70s-style Southern rock and 21st-Century country-pop and for the most part they hit their target dead-on. The Foundation manages to showcase the considerable writing and instrumental skills of the group without losing its unpretentious feel. The music here avoids rebel posturing or hat-act romantic gush in favor of plain-spoken storytelling and unvarnished acoustic-based musicianship. After years of touring, the group is adept at everything from turbo-charged bluegrass (“Mary”) to breezy Caribbean ditties (“Where the Boat Leaves From”) and goofy comedy pieces (“It’s Not OK,” “Sic ‘Em On a Chicken”). Brown’s lead vocals display a James Taylor-like warmth on the melancholy “Highway 20 Ride” and the uplifting “Free.” Tasty touches abound, with Jimmy De Martini’s fiddle adding blazing licks to “Mary” and mournful accents to “Jolene.” Radio-friendly tunes like “Chicken Fried” and “Different Kind of Fine” are fairly predictable but redeemed by crisp arrangements and an overall sincerity. Solidly rendered with plenty of personality, The Foundation captures a hard-working heartland combo with something to prove and the talent to back it up.
Recent Customer Reviews
110% + + +
by Uncle Buck - in Boca Raton, FLI rarely ever rave about an album or artist to my friends... but some finds are worth sharing. I downloaded this album a few days ago after hearing "Toes" on one of my cable’s digital music channels. I wish I had heard of this album sooner! (today is 11/4/09) It's already bidding to become one of my "10 CDs to have on a desert island". They've packed a variety of country style songs on a single album, and never drop the ball. This doesn't feel like a first album — more like a 2nd or 3rd project after getting fired-up by a successful tour. You can put this entire album on repeat and not feel the need to skip to the next track. The Zac Brown Band is definitely a group to keep an eye on.
(Note: I have not read any critics' reviews or explanations regarding the songs on this album. The descriptions below are entirely my own interpretation of each song... and may not be what was intended by the artist. I mention similar-sounding songs by other artists only as a reference.)
Toes - "iAdios and vaya con dios!" A vacation song about leaving the mainland and heading down to Mexico... (or the FL Keys, Bahamas, wherever). Similar country-island vibe as Kenny Chesney's “Guitars and Tiki Bars”, No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem”, and Alan Jackson's “It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere”.
Whatever It Is - A feel good, medium paced, modern love song about finding a woman who possesses that unexplainable quality which makes her a perfect match.
Where the Boat Leaves From - Another upbeat "getting away from things" song. Has the slight reggae beat of Kenny Chesney's island-country style. A few verses remind me of Belle Star's classic “Iko Iko”.
Free - James Taylor meets Alan Jackson (the more serious side). A smooth flowing traveling song about a couple enjoying a road trip through the country.
Chicken Fried - Modern country sound talkin' about good 'ole wholesome southern roots and the value of the simple things in life. The theme is similar to Alan Jackson's “Chattahoochee” and Kenny Chesney's “Summertime”.
Mary - A fast paced "what do I need to do to win you back" country song with quick picking, violins, and a rhythm that could have been sampled from a steam locomotive speeding down the tracks. The old Osborne Brothers' song “Rocky Top Tennessee” comes to mind when I hear this one.
Different Kind of Fine - A funky rock-a-billy beat with country style violins and electric guitar riffs. This could have easily been a Darryl Worley or Brad Paisley song.
Highway 20 Ride - A thoughtful ballad from a divorced father's point of view, regarding the long drive he takes to see his child. A somewhat melancholy subject with a not-too-slow pace and pleasant vocal harmonies that'll invite you to sing along.
It's Not OK - A tale about self-control. Quick tempo, humorous, fast-talking narrative revealing a guy's inner thoughts about a street bum — and then how he chooses to interact with him. The lyrical style is similar to Johnny Cash's “A Boy Named Sue”, but with quick country picking and a one minute multi-instrument bridge at about the 2:25 mark that displays the talents of the entire band.
Jolene - Mix the vibe of the Black Crow's “She Talks to Angels”, Little Feat's “Willing”, and the Allman Brother's “Melissa”... add a story about a lost love from the viewpoint of a guy finally realizing what he had after he lost her... and what you get is a well-rounded soulful ballad that feels like it came from an older, more experienced band.
Sic 'Em On A Chicken - A fun, upbeat, bright-pickin' ditty about an ornery chicken. Yep, a mean old barnyard chicken that beats up a dog, the neighbor's kid, and ends up as a pot pie! hahaha The tempo and melody feels like Jim Croce's “Rapid Roy” and Jerry Reed's “East Bound and Down”.
Additional songs on the "Deluxe" album version from the iTunes store...
Martin (Live) - Mellow homage to an honest man who has lived a hard life, of whom the songwriter has a great deal of respect for.
Let It Go (Live) - This one has a Dave Matthews Band feel to it. Mostly upbeat with a strong ending. It seems to be about a son remembering the lessons his departed father taught him. It's not a tear-jerker by any means. More of a "looking back on the good memories" type of song. It just happens to be a very timely song for me since I recently lost my father, and find myself looking back on all the things I learned from him.
If you have any interest in fresh modern country music, do yourself a favor and check out the Zac Brown Band!
Paradise
by AKMaryKayThis song I thought was sung by Kenny but not! This song reminds me of the Carribean! My husband & I are from Alaska & got married just south of Cancun on the beautiful white sand beach! Great song!
Was at the Fox on October 30th and was blown away!
by Skin Alley Fire DawgMy wife made me go. And, I'm glad she did! Seeing this band live reminds of how bad we miss the true and talented singer song writers. No huge, fake productions here. Just great story telling and talented performers. I was inspired by their cause and blown away by their talent, humor and intensity. I told my wife that this show was like watching an new underground movement. I always use to tell people that even if you didn't like the albums of pearl jam or collective soul, go see them live. Well listen to me people. Go see this band live!
Top Albums and Songs by Zac Brown Band
| Name | Album | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toes | The Foundation (Deluxe Version) | 4:21 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 2 | Chicken Fried | The Foundation (Deluxe Version) | 3:57 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 3 | Whatever It Is | The Foundation (Deluxe Version) | 3:28 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 4 | Where the Boat Leaves From | The Foundation (Deluxe Version) | 3:42 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
| 5 | Chicken Fried | The Foundation | 3:57 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
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