Little Texas
Album: Young For A Long Time
Label: Cleopatra
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.littletexasonline.com/

The Country Rock Band Little Texas has been around for some time now. In fact since 1992, although this is their first album since 2007! Over the years they have amassed sales of over 7 million albums, had three Grammy nominations, won a host of awards and built up a large and loyal fan base.

The band has included a number of players over the years, have split up, reformed and split again. They are now back together again and according to the publicity material happier than ever. The current line-up includes Duane Propes, Dwayne O'Brien, Porter Howell and Del Gray.

If you know nothing about them, think of The Eagles or Lonestar and you will get the picture or perhaps the sound.

The new album kicks off and ends with a couple of real Air Guitar and Steering Wheel Drumming tracks guaranteed to get you moving. In between there is a selection of pure country words and music, rattle snakes, boondocks, rednecks, etc. Superb guitar work, close knit harmonies very reminiscent of Lonestar and some great lyrics. Or perhaps Lonestar is reminiscent of Little Texas.

"Slow Ride Home" is a very moving track about the death and home return of a US Soldier in Afghanistan. Listen to the words and I dare you not to be moved. "Kings of This Town" is a story about growing up and moving on. "Take this walk with me" showcases the vocal qualities and musicianship of the band perfectly. There is a beautiful new working of an old song "What might have been."

This is a beautifully balanced Country Rock album with enough of a mixture of styles to satisfy almost everyone. I am a big fan of this type of music and from a young age and being a choirboy I have loved close harmony. This album epitomises what I firmly believe makes great music. A great band and a great album.

Rory Stanbridge