Clay Walker

In the early 1990s an influx of young male country singers capitalised on Garth Brooks' earlier breakthrough. Many came from Texas, the best of the bunch from Beaumont, home of country's greatest singer, the legendary George Jones. Among the younger set, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and Clay Walker went on to cement their positions in the charts. Often accused of being cookie cut country (hat, buckles, the standard uniform), these three made music that although undeniably commercial was close enough to the roots of the genre and their State's musical heritage as to be worth a listen. Clay Walker's self-titled debut release, which includes five songs written by the singer, was an immediate hit (three singles from the album reaching number one) and remains one of the decade's strongest albums of its type. Highlights include the fun White Palace, the traditional The Silence Speaks For Itself and the standout track, Live Until I Die. There's plenty here for young fans to enjoy but if you're a long-time country listener, don't dismiss it. The material is similar to that included in George Jones' albums of the past ten years. While others in the class of 93 have long since disappeared off the charts, Walker's consistent brand of commercial country has produced seven albums to date, and he continues to enjoy unbroken success.