Zac Brown - Uncaged

By: George Peden, Sr.Staff Journalist
"'Cause I believe that I / was born with a song inside of me / Never question why, I just keep on singing that melody / And as time goes by / oh it's funny how time can make you realize, We're running out of it…" "Day That I Die" – Zac Brown Band.
What will be one of the better releases for 2012, Uncaged, the latest outing for the rootsy Zac Brown Band, is bullseye perfect. Stacked with potential hits, keen harmonies, well-crafted tunes and superb playing the band prove, and convincingly, that talent, not time, is the success factor. While the band has been only treading the commercial stage for under five years, honing their craft longer, their music is infectious and their playing, tight and memorable.
For the two-time Grammy winners, Uncaged is more a statement of fact than an album title. The band, the music, the tunes, come well expressed on a blend that genre hops with ease. These guys are not embedded in the slick catch of modern country; the style here is down home easy and varied.
Uncaged is, in essence, a statement to musical freedom. If you’re looking to hang a country-only tag on the album, you’re going to be disappointed. On this, the bands third studio release, the tunes flit between reggae sounds, beach moods and hurtin’, lovin’ and leavin’ melodies – all delivered in an anything but a predicable hat and buckle style.
To enjoy the diversity and pleasing variety, take your edge from the leadoff cut and "Jump Right In." Made for summer nights with a large margarita at hand, more Buffett than Bentley, the tune sets the expectation levels high for what’s
to come.
Brown proves in addition to co-producing this album along with Alan Jackson’s mate Keith Stegall, the beanie wearing Georgia native has solid musical chops. Brown shared lyrical ink on 10 of the 11 tracks.
Heartstrings join the ache on the moving "Goodbye In Her Eyes," one of this reviewer's favoured cuts. Melodic and reflective, the track lingers on the hurt of a love that has lived its use by date. By contrast, the last track, "Last But Not Least," shares deep appreciation for the mistake we all can make and that is – forgetting about what matters most.
"The Wind" offers musical perfection. Tight, sharp instrumentation and honeyed vocals; it’s a standout on an CD that needs a couple of plays, but once you’re "there," this album hits all the right targets. Rough and raw with a touch of modest class and refined polish, the Zac Brown Band is going from good to better to best and quickly.
Uncaged is great.
The album is out now on Southern Ground/Atlantic.
http://www.zacbrownband.com/
"'Cause I believe that I / was born with a song inside of me / Never question why, I just keep on singing that melody / And as time goes by / oh it's funny how time can make you realize, We're running out of it…" "Day That I Die" – Zac Brown Band.
What will be one of the better releases for 2012, Uncaged, the latest outing for the rootsy Zac Brown Band, is bullseye perfect. Stacked with potential hits, keen harmonies, well-crafted tunes and superb playing the band prove, and convincingly, that talent, not time, is the success factor. While the band has been only treading the commercial stage for under five years, honing their craft longer, their music is infectious and their playing, tight and memorable.
For the two-time Grammy winners, Uncaged is more a statement of fact than an album title. The band, the music, the tunes, come well expressed on a blend that genre hops with ease. These guys are not embedded in the slick catch of modern country; the style here is down home easy and varied.
Uncaged is, in essence, a statement to musical freedom. If you’re looking to hang a country-only tag on the album, you’re going to be disappointed. On this, the bands third studio release, the tunes flit between reggae sounds, beach moods and hurtin’, lovin’ and leavin’ melodies – all delivered in an anything but a predicable hat and buckle style.
To enjoy the diversity and pleasing variety, take your edge from the leadoff cut and "Jump Right In." Made for summer nights with a large margarita at hand, more Buffett than Bentley, the tune sets the expectation levels high for what’s
to come.
Brown proves in addition to co-producing this album along with Alan Jackson’s mate Keith Stegall, the beanie wearing Georgia native has solid musical chops. Brown shared lyrical ink on 10 of the 11 tracks.
Heartstrings join the ache on the moving "Goodbye In Her Eyes," one of this reviewer's favoured cuts. Melodic and reflective, the track lingers on the hurt of a love that has lived its use by date. By contrast, the last track, "Last But Not Least," shares deep appreciation for the mistake we all can make and that is – forgetting about what matters most.
"The Wind" offers musical perfection. Tight, sharp instrumentation and honeyed vocals; it’s a standout on an CD that needs a couple of plays, but once you’re "there," this album hits all the right targets. Rough and raw with a touch of modest class and refined polish, the Zac Brown Band is going from good to better to best and quickly.
Uncaged is great.
The album is out now on Southern Ground/Atlantic.
http://www.zacbrownband.com/