Risk

by Jason MacNeilCanadian country star Paul Brandt marks a decade in the genre with this record, one that has a bit more risk and as a result, a bit more reward than anticipated. Although there are the radio-friendly country-meets-pop tunes such as the opening "Didn't Even See the Dust," the artist is able to take these songs for an enjoyable and breezy summer ride. However, it's the lengthy fade out which seems to drag the effort down slightly. The singer, however, has much better luck with "The Little Space Between" which is a bit more concise and leaner. From there the artist delivers the standard three-minute, quasi-Southern and rather groovy "Come On & Get Some" which brings to mind the likes of Big & Rich or Montgomery Gentry. Meanwhile, "Virtual Life" is a rather safe look at contemporary life and all of its gadgetry and "That's Worth Fighting For" is a large, orchestral-tinged power ballad that would give Tim McGraw a run for his money. The title track meanwhile is probably the prettiest sounding track of the dozen as Brandt doesn't seem to force the string-laced song into his natural country niche. The song that seems to be the biggest disappointment might be the lengthy and somewhat draggy "Hold On (Love Will Find You)" that never truly evolves into anything grand. Fortunately a song such as 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."