Chris Ledoux - After the Storm

On "Some Things Never Change," the opening track of Chris LeDoux's first album since battling back from serious illness and a liver transplant, even his buddy and duet partner Garth Brooks sounds looser and less forced than on any of his own records. Still the rodeo veteran, LeDoux relaxes listeners while retaining all of the power and integrity that's marked his music from the jump (more than 23 years ago!). "Millionaire," a celebration of lasting love, the joyous "Don't It Make You Want to Dance," and the rodeo humor of "Cowboy Up" emphasize straightforwardness over predictability. "Scatter the Ashes" transcends its rodeo theme with a message for any world-weary soul ready to move on. And how many major-label artists today sing of the pure joy of farm life as he does on "Simple as Dirt"? Never once do he or his producers lower themselves to worry about pleasing radio's demographic-obsessed, tin-eared demons. In a perfect world, LeDoux would be one of those who set country's gold standard. --Rich Kienzle Amazon.com

"After The Storm" was too short

This was Chris' first CD after his close brush with death and his second-to-last CD. Unfortunately, after the storm came a worse event, Chris' untimely death in March 2005. As a LeDoux fan of more than 25 years, I was a bit disheartened that Chris wasn't writing more of his own material; too many of his preceding CDs got away from his rodeo/Western songs. Nevertheless, there are some fine songs here, and except for "Haywire" and "Stampede," there's no such thing as a less-than-good Chris LeDoux album. "Cowboy Up" and "Scatter My Ashes" are the best songs on the CD. Little did we know how prescient the latter was, as sadly, Chris didn't have much time left with us. Chris LeDoux was the best. October 3, 2006

the worst he's done period

Come on Chris, i know this is your "comeback" album but where's the cowboy stuff that made you who you are???? October 4, 2003

An Ok album

"After the Storm" makes a good country album but in the history of Chris Ledoux albums [isn't his best]. It not because he didnt write the songs he just didnt seem to be ready after the health problems. Compare this album to his earlier titles of "Whacha going to do with a cowboy", "Western Underground", and "Powder River" and you will agree its not his best work to date. I hope he's still got that Chris Ledoux Kick. May 23, 2003

An excellent collection of mostly new stuff

Well, after a couple CDs of re-done stuff, Chris LeDoux has come out with some great new music. (Don't get me wrong, I liked the updates on "Cowboy".) Initially I was a little dismayed that Chris didn't write most of the tunes, but hey, does it really matter? Nope. He does such a great job with his renditions that the writer part just doesn't matter. About half of the tunes clicked at first listen, and the rest didn't take much longer. Anyone who appreciates LeDoux or just good western music would do well to check out this collection. The first song, "Some Things Never Change", a collaboration with Garth Brooks, hooks you from the start. One of my favorites is "Scatter the Ashes" about a rodeo cowboy facing the end of his active career. Yes, the songs in general are a slower pace compared to most of his previous stuff. But one can feel a maturity that perhaps has grown from his experiences of the last couple of years. His voice also has a more "mature" sound to it, but it's still strong, and pure Chris. As another reviewer suggested, this CD may not get much air play unfortunately, but it's high quality all the way. Buy this CD, and you won't be sorry for sure. Chris LeDoux is still the genuine article. July 31, 2002

Life after health crisis brings contentment

LeDoux's music is filled with the mature sense of self that's missing from the work of fresh-faced Nashville strivers. It's a perspective honed from a life of experience, and left unperturbed by the necessities of modern chart stardom. On this latest release, LeDoux's introspective sensibility has been magnified by a health crisis and subsequent successful liver transplant. The resulting mood reflects a deepened sense of contentment with family, friends, work and play.

From the opening Garth Brooks duet, "Some Things Never Change," to the closing remake of the rodeo-themed "Bareback Jack," LeDoux contemplates the simple things that make up one's life; romance ("Millionaire" "What I'm Up Against"), hard work ("Cowboy Up" "Simple as Dirt"), and music making ("Don't it Make You Want to Dance") provide a few of his daily joys. Even David Lee Murphy's funereal "Scatter the Ashes" finds peace in the final departure from a well-lived life.

LeDoux's happiness and comfort is infectious, enough so to credit the backing singers on one track as "everybody in the studio." His tone may be less rowdy than on earlier albums (though the western swing of "I Don't Want to Mention Any Names" has a sly bounce), but his words are no less powerful. Like a favorite pair of Wrangler's, LeDoux's music gains character each time he rides out of the chute. June 4, 2002

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