sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,914
|
Post by sabre14 on Aug 3, 2016 13:05:12 GMT -5
Gary's emotional studio album from the fall of 2005. Recorded after his wife passing the previous year. Probably my all-time favorite record in Country music. Singles:"Best I Ever Had", released May 23rd of 2005 (peaked at #7 on R&R)"Life Ain't Always Beautiful", released January 17th of 2006 (peaked at #4 on Mediabase)Album LinkTracklisting:1. "Tough All Over" (Jim Lauderdale, Odie Blackmon) 2. "Best I Ever Had" (Matthew Scannell) 3. "I Just Got Back From Hell" (Harley Allen, Gary Allan) 4. "Ring" (Kostas) 5. "Promise Broken" (Deric Ruttan, Margaret Findley) 6. "Nickajack Cave" (Jamie O'Hara) 7. "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" (Cyndi Thomson-Goodman, Tommy Lee James) 8. "He Can't Quite Her" (Casey Beathard, Ed Hill) 9. "What Kind Of Fool" (Jamie O'Hara) 10. "Puttin' Memories Away" (Gary Allan, Matt Warren) 11. "No Damn Good" (Gary Allan, Jamie O'Hara, Odie Blackmon) 12. "Putting My Misery On Display" (Gary Allan) Released on October 11th through MCA Nashville. Tags: Kanenrá:ke, Ten Pound Hammer, mrck, trebor, phil1996, tim, Andy, zjames, PollenI remember being really bummed "Promise Broken" wasn't released as the third single but the album is really dark and I do understand not wanting another somber song released to radio. A Greatest Hits followed.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 3, 2016 13:37:52 GMT -5
I remember hearing a preview of this album. At the time I found it too dark and moody for my tastes. I still think the two singles are too melancholy for my tastes, but I understand the emotions that made the album this way.
Same problem I have with a lot of Gary's work in the past 10 years, really.
|
|
Pollen
Moderator
Joined: February 2014
Posts: 27,201
Pronouns: he/him
Staff
|
Post by Pollen on Aug 3, 2016 13:46:30 GMT -5
Oops, I totally forgot to check this out from your recommendation. Maybe I'll do that later tonight?
|
|
Kanenrá:ke
Moderator
ethereal eternal nonexistent
she left her briquettes out in typical heaux fashion.
Joined: January 2009
Posts: 12,182
Staff
|
Post by Kanenrá:ke on Aug 3, 2016 17:14:20 GMT -5
Love this albums, easily Gary's best work. I personally wanted "Ring" or "I just Got Back From Hell" to be the third single but "Promise Broken" would've worked just as well
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 3, 2016 18:15:25 GMT -5
Terrific album. I'm not sure if this is my favorite Gary album - I might say Smoke Rings in the Dark depending on what day you asked me, but it's utterly splendid nonetheless. Probably among my top 10 or 20 favorite albums of the past fifteen years, mainstream or otherwise.
The singles are all classics, and songs like "I Just Got Back From Hell", "Putting My Misery On Display", "Promise Broken", and "Nickajack Cave" are all top-shelf.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 4, 2016 1:51:45 GMT -5
I still think this album isn't for me. It's way too depressing and even emo at times. I just don't have any use for an album's worth of wallowing in misery and self pity. Where's the enjoyment in that?!
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,914
|
Post by sabre14 on Aug 4, 2016 12:13:55 GMT -5
I just don't have any use for an album's worth of wallowing in misery and self pity. Where's the enjoyment in that?! Here's the thing though...it's still Gary Allan and he is widely regarded across Country fans as one of the best in the business. All of his albums are good, including this one. If the album is too depressing for someone, I understand, might explain why there were only two singles; in this case though, considering it came from a real life tragedy (his wife passing away), I just cannot find it in me to criticize the fact it was too dark and miserable. In regards to "where's the enjoyment in liking an album so dark?", I like it so much, not because of it's timely emotion from the artist himself (although, that makes it that much more meaningful), I like it so much because the songs are excellent. If Gary just sang a bunch of somber, dark, depressing songs that weren't special or memorable, then it obviously wouldn't have been as good -- not even close; but the songs on Tough All Over cover a wide range of emotions hidden within Gary and come through each track. There's dark. There's sadness. There's anger. There's pride. There's depression. The title track ("Tough All Over") is actually quite upbeat in production and instrumentation; outside of "Ring", it's the most upbeat song on the record melodically. The vocal arrangement is really unique (probably courtesy of Jim Lauderdale) and Gary's vocals fit it perfectly; along with a cool and distinctive electric guitar throughout the track. I could go through each song like that. "Best I Ever Had"...I've heard the original...nothing to write home about, but Gary took it and made it his own. The guitar and those first few lyrics get me every time ( "So you sailed away, into a gray sky morning."). "I Just Got Back From Hell" sounds like one of the more personal songs on the record as the lyrics get pretty heavy, including admitting he blamed himself, his wife and even God for what he went through. "Ring" is so unbelievably distinctive in its sound; it has ultra Country instrumentation but has that "Roy Orbison" esqe tone. I also love the fact two of the tracks on the record are sung from the point of view of a non-person ("Ring" is a guy singing to a ring and "Promise Broken" is Gary singing as if he's a broken promise). I also like to add that the fiddle on "Puttin' Memories Away" is outstanding...and going back to "Promise Broken", that's another track that sounds ultra personal considering his wife ended up taking her own life. The production is great and so is the mixing. I didn't even talk about "He Can't Quit Her" which is still a staple of Gary's live shows. I just think this whole album is stellar start to finish. Again, I can see someone thinking it's too misery riddled and depressing but the quality of the tracks makes it very enjoyable.
|
|
Kanenrá:ke
Moderator
ethereal eternal nonexistent
she left her briquettes out in typical heaux fashion.
Joined: January 2009
Posts: 12,182
Staff
|
Post by Kanenrá:ke on Aug 4, 2016 12:33:32 GMT -5
I just don't have any use for an album's worth of wallowing in misery and self pity. Where's the enjoyment in that?! Here's the thing though...it's still Gary Allan and he is widely regarded across Country fans as one of the best in the business. All of his albums are good, including this one. If the album is too depressing for someone, I understand, might explain why there were only two singles; in this case though, considering it came from a real life tragedy (his wife passing away), I just cannot find it in me to criticize the fact it was too dark and miserable. In regards to "where's the enjoyment in liking an album so dark?", I like it so much, not because of it's timely emotion from the artist himself (although, that makes it that much more meaningful), I like it so much because the songs are excellent. If Gary just sang a bunch of somber, dark, depressing songs that weren't special or memorable, then it obviously wouldn't have been as good -- not even close; but the songs on Tough All Over cover a wide range of emotions hidden within Gary and come through each track. There's dark. There's sadness. There's anger. There's pride. There's depression. The title track ("Tough All Over") is actually quite upbeat in production and instrumentation; outside of "Ring", it's the most upbeat song on the record melodically. The vocal arrangement is really unique (probably courtesy of Jim Lauderdale) and Gary's vocals fit it perfectly; along with a cool and distinctive electric guitar throughout the track. I could go through each song like that. "Best I Ever Had"...I've heard the original...nothing to write home about, but Gary took it and made it his own. The guitar and those first few lyrics get me every time ( "So you sailed away, through a gray sky morning."). "I Just Got Back From Hell" sounds like one of the more personal songs on the record as the lyrics get pretty heavy, including admitting he blamed himself, his wife and even God for what he went through. "Ring" is so unbelievably distinctive in its sound; it has ultra Country instrumentation but has that "Roy Orbison" esqe tone. I also love the fact two of the tracks on the record are sung from the point of view of a non-person ("Ring" is a guy singing to a ring and "Promise Broken" is Gary singing as if he's a broken promise). I also like to add that the fiddle on "Puttin' Memories Away" is outstanding...and going back to "Promise Broken", that's another track that sounds ultra personal considering his wife ended up taking her own life. The production is great and so is the mixing. I didn't even talk about "He Can't Quit Her" which is still a staple of Gary's live shows. I just think this whole album is stellar start to finish. Again, I can see someone thinking it's too misery riddled and depressing but the quality of the tracks makes it very enjoyable.
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 4, 2016 18:34:28 GMT -5
sabre14 said it better than I could, but I'd also add that I don't find this album that dark and dreary. There are plenty of tracks that are positive or optimistic, the sad songs are pretty much standard order sad country songs, and even a lot of the songs with "negative" lyrics (i.e. deal with the end of a relationship) are catchy and uptempo. Sure, the mood is a bit heavier than on Gary's past work, but overall it's a pretty normal country album, IMO.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 4, 2016 19:32:31 GMT -5
I always thought "Best I Ever Had" was kind of emo. "Love can be so boring" was kind of a sore spot for me lyrically.
I guess it's because nearly EVERY DAMN THING Gary has put out since has been dark and moody, and it kinda brings me down when I listen to more than a song at a time. I don't listen to music to GET all mopey and gray.
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 4, 2016 19:40:36 GMT -5
I always thought "Best I Ever Had" was kind of emo. "Love can be so boring" was kind of a sore spot for me lyrically. I guess it's because nearly EVERY DAMN THING Gary has put out since has been dark and moody, and it kinda brings me down when I listen to more than a song at a time. I don't listen to music to GET all mopey and gray. Fair enough, but "Best I Ever Had" represents 8% of the album. If you normally like Gary Allan, I recommend giving the rest of it a shot if you haven't. "Best I Ever Had" is really the only "woe is me" track. The album's overall tone is hopeful and optimistic.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 4, 2016 19:49:59 GMT -5
I always thought "Best I Ever Had" was kind of emo. "Love can be so boring" was kind of a sore spot for me lyrically. I guess it's because nearly EVERY DAMN THING Gary has put out since has been dark and moody, and it kinda brings me down when I listen to more than a song at a time. I don't listen to music to GET all mopey and gray. Fair enough, but "Best I Ever Had" represents 8% of the album. If you normally like Gary Allan, I recommend giving the rest of it a shot if you haven't. "Best I Ever Had" is really the only "woe is me" track. The album's overall tone is hopeful and optimistic. That's not the tone I get from "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"...
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,914
|
Post by sabre14 on Aug 4, 2016 19:54:06 GMT -5
Fair enough, but "Best I Ever Had" represents 8% of the album. If you normally like Gary Allan, I recommend giving the rest of it a shot if you haven't. "Best I Ever Had" is really the only "woe is me" track. The album's overall tone is hopeful and optimistic. That's not the tone I get from "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"... ...but the hook line "but it's a beautiful ride", meaning despite how hard life can be for you, it still manages to be a memorable journey that allows you to have special moments. There's a few tracks that display gloom ("Promise Broken", "He Can't Quit Her") but that one does display optimism, I agree with Andy.
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 4, 2016 19:58:47 GMT -5
Fair enough, but "Best I Ever Had" represents 8% of the album. If you normally like Gary Allan, I recommend giving the rest of it a shot if you haven't. "Best I Ever Had" is really the only "woe is me" track. The album's overall tone is hopeful and optimistic. That's not the tone I get from "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"... "But the struggles make me stronger And the changes make me wise And happiness has its own way Of takin' its sweet time
No, life ain't always beautiful But I know, I'll be fine Hey, life ain't always beautiful But it's a beautiful ride."It's obviously not Martina McBride's "Blessed" in terms of cheerfulness, but those lyrics seem optimistic and hopeful to me. That's the opposite of "woe is me." Edit: sabre14 beat me to it.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 4, 2016 21:12:49 GMT -5
That's not the tone I get from "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"... "But the struggles make me stronger And the changes make me wise And happiness has its own way Of takin' its sweet time
No, life ain't always beautiful But I know, I'll be fine Hey, life ain't always beautiful But it's a beautiful ride."It's obviously not Martina McBride's "Blessed" in terms of cheerfulness, but those lyrics seem optimistic and hopeful to me. That's the opposite of "woe is me." Edit: sabre14 beat me to it. But then they get dragged down again by "I get tired of walking all these lonely miles" or "It's just a dead end road at the end of the day".
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 4, 2016 21:42:36 GMT -5
But then they get dragged down again by "I get tired of walking all these lonely miles" or "It's just a dead end road at the end of the day". They lyrics I posted are the chorus. They are the emotional climax and ending of the song. I'd argue they carry more weight. The verses introduce problems, and the chorus is about overcoming those problems. Thus, I think the song has a positive and optimistic message.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 5, 2016 18:07:03 GMT -5
But then they get dragged down again by "I get tired of walking all these lonely miles" or "It's just a dead end road at the end of the day". They lyrics I posted are the chorus. They are the emotional climax and ending of the song. I'd argue they carry more weight. The verses introduce problems, and the chorus is about overcoming those problems. Thus, I think the song has a positive and optimistic message. I've always read the song as emo, personally. "Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride" always seemed like a sarcastic, bitter, don't-really-mean-it reflection. Especially with lines like "Happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time".
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 5, 2016 18:31:17 GMT -5
They lyrics I posted are the chorus. They are the emotional climax and ending of the song. I'd argue they carry more weight. The verses introduce problems, and the chorus is about overcoming those problems. Thus, I think the song has a positive and optimistic message. I've always read the song as emo, personally. "Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride" always seemed like a sarcastic, bitter, don't-really-mean-it reflection. Especially with lines like "Happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time". Well, that's fine. The meaning of songs are subjective. Agree to disagree. Are you familiar with any of the other tracks on this album, at all?
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,914
|
Post by sabre14 on Aug 5, 2016 18:40:35 GMT -5
Wow, I'm literally blown away we're this deep into dissecting "Life Ain't Always Beautiful".
The "but's" should indicate optimism.
"...and it's just a dead end road, at the end of the day...But the struggles make me stronger and the changes make me wise. "Stronger" = optimism. "Wise" = optimism.
The song is not sunshine and rainbows, obviously, but it's clearly to me saying "hey, life is hard...but you have to keep pushing on and we all deal with it."
...and one of the end lyrics is "but I know I'll be fine. Hey, life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride."
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 5, 2016 20:46:37 GMT -5
I've always read the song as emo, personally. "Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride" always seemed like a sarcastic, bitter, don't-really-mean-it reflection. Especially with lines like "Happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time". Well, that's fine. The meaning of songs are subjective. Agree to disagree. Are you familiar with any of the other tracks on this album, at all? I know the title track, Ring, Nickajack Cave, and Best I Ever Had
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 5, 2016 21:31:35 GMT -5
Well, that's fine. The meaning of songs are subjective. Agree to disagree. Are you familiar with any of the other tracks on this album, at all? I know the title track, Ring, Nickajack Cave, and Best I Ever Had I recommend giving the rest of the album a shot. "What Kind of Fool", "Promise Broken", "I Just Got Back From Hell", "Puttin' Memories Away" and "Puttin' My Misery on Display" are all flat-out excellent songs IMO. Yeah, the themes and subject matter explored on this album are more akin to traditional country, outlaw country, or alt-country. I don't think this album is extremely dark and disturbing in the overall context of country music, but I acknowledge that few if any of tracks sound like anything you'd hear on country radio the last 10-15 years. If it's not your cup of tea, understandable.
|
|
Kanenrá:ke
Moderator
ethereal eternal nonexistent
she left her briquettes out in typical heaux fashion.
Joined: January 2009
Posts: 12,182
Staff
|
Post by Kanenrá:ke on Aug 6, 2016 8:29:26 GMT -5
Because of this thread I went and listened to the album 3 times again and I really love everything about it! "Puttin' Memories Away" is so wonderfully produced. I also think I can rank the songs now. 01. Promise Broken 02. Puttin' Memories Away 03. I Just Got Back From Hell 04. Puttin' My Misery On Display 05. Life Ain't Always Beautiful 06. Ring 07. He Can't Quit Her 08. Tough All Over 09. What Kind Of Fool 10. Best I Ever Had 11. Nickajack Cave (Johnny Cash's Redemption) 12. No Damn Good
|
|
sabre14
Diamond Member
Vince Gill & the Muppets make everything better
Joined: October 2013
Posts: 26,914
|
Post by sabre14 on Aug 6, 2016 13:25:26 GMT -5
Track rankings: :)
1. "Promise Broken" 2. "Best I Ever Had" 3. "I Just Got Back From Hell" 4. "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" 5. "Ring" 6. "Puttin' Memories Away" 7. "Tough All Over" 8. "He Can't Quit Her" 9. "Putting My Misery On Display" 10. "Nickajack Cave" (Johnny Cash's Redemption) 11. "No Damn Good" 12. "What Kind Of Fool"
|
|
Andy
2x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2013
Posts: 2,061
|
Post by Andy on Aug 6, 2016 17:08:11 GMT -5
I too have revisited this album a couple of times since this thread was created, lol. I'm not going to do a track ranking, since I think this album is thoroughly excellent and my opinions of tracks vary too much from listen to listen. I will say I probably enjoy "Nickajack Cave" and "What Kind of Fool" more than most, and I'd probably have the title track and "No Damn Good" at the bottom. They're still really good songs, just slightly less interesting than what they're surrounded by IMO.
|
|