Joe Nichols - Real Things

When it all comes together..

Real things. Such an appropriate title. This record, unlike so many other pop/country releases you see week after week, is the real thing.

Joe Nichols gets a little bit of that naive, wide eyed, Rogers, Arkansas boy back with his latest release. Of all country releases this year, nothing can hold a candle to Real things.

From the very get-go of the title track, Nichols hooks you, and begins to reel you in with his smooth baritone. It is almost as if he is telling you his life story throughout every track.

With the sweet tenderness of "Another side of you" to the raucous honky tonkin "Comin back in a cadillac" Nichols leaves no feeling and emotion unturned. He seems to soothe and salve his own soul in the ballad "My whiskey years".

Nichols continues to show that he can let his vocal restraint go sometimes with the non-traditional sure fire hit "It aint no crime". But the best tracks are when he does show that restraint. Nichols does a great job of revving you up, and then slowing you back down with this offering. Going from the witty "Lets get drunk and fight" to the seemingly solemn "All I need is a heart" is proof alone if you dont believe me.

Nichols closes it all out with cult hero Blaze Foley's "If i could only fly" with Lee Ann Womack. A tune anyone who has ever loved can definately identify with. Nichols seems as if he is talking to you, and you cant help but listen.

Nichols all in all hits a home run with Real Things. On a scale of 5 stars, I give it about 12. In a world of country music where some folks just seem to pay lip service to country music's history and traditions, Joe Nichols uses it as his foundation. While it may not sell 4 million copies, Real Things is the best release of his career, and probably of the year.

However I believe we will all see Joe Nichols in country music's spotlight here in 2008, and well deservedly so. And when it all comes together, it will be something you dont want to miss. January 17, 2008

great voice

Joe Nichols is a pleasure to hear in the country music or any other kind of music. January 7, 2008

Country's Gentleman

EVERY song is my favorite! I absolutely love this new album and would recommend it to anyone who loves country music. I saw Joe Nichols in concert a little over a year ago when he opened for Toby Keith...I enjoyed his part of the concert as much if not more than the headliner! His smooth,deep voice reminds me of country music from years past. Definitley a must have! (note..a previous review mentioned a 14th track, I purchased my copy at T**g*t and the 14th track is an exclusive to their edition.) January 3, 2008

Great Album

If you want real country, this album is as real as it gets. Most songs are slow, but they are outstanding. This is a perfect album. Joe is quickly becoming the most underrated country artist of our time.

Standout tracks:

Real Things
Another Side of You
Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
My Whiskey Years
Let's Get Drunk and Fight
*The Difference is Night and Day
*All I Need is A Heart
*If I Could Only Fly

*=These 3 songs are among his best ever October 18, 2007

Real Things - Joe Nichols

One word discribes it all...OUTSTANDING! Joe has a smoothe voice that makes you get into the music. October 10, 2007

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