New review for Cuzz V
Artist: Ben Coulter
Title: Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone
Review by Andrew Greenhalgh of Review You
It’s no secret that country music as we know it has undergone a dramatic shift in the past twenty years or so. Gone are the salt of the earth flavors of Waylon and Willie, now giving way to the pop country of artists like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum. Sure, these new artists try to keep their country cred alive, interspersing their love tales with tracks that declare their love for tractors and gigging frogs but, ultimately, something is lost in the translation.
Yet some artists aren’t quite content with the new brand of country music that’s come to roost in the proverbial henhouse. Artists as diverse as Alan Jackson, Shooter Jennings, and George Strait have all expressed their displeasure with the new sounds of Music Row and continue to craft music that expresses the sounds of the heart and the heartland, maintaining a respect and love of tradition. Adding his hat to the circle of supporters is Ben Coulter and his latest recording, Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone.
Coulter has spent plenty of time making music to make those old cowboys nod their heads in approval, notching nine albums to date under his belt and adding to a steadily increasing fan base. And through it all, his appreciation for roots country music has been heard and is the foundation that the stripped down Cuzz V builds its house on.
The album is the simplest form of music, just a man with a story to tell and his guitar. And Coulter’s deft playing and warm baritone, reminiscent of George Strait on his finest days, lay forth a fine palette of southern charm, with self-penned lyrics that tell of family, faith, and love. It’s real music for real people.
Coulter kicks the album off with the title track, musing about the loss of the old images and the overall heartbeat of the country/cowboy lifestyle. It’s simple, straightforward nature leads nicely into “First Big Record I Make I’m Going Home,” penned by Noel Wilson, whom Coulter gives a tribute later on in the record with the heartfelt lyrics of “I’ll Raise My Guitar High.”
“Back Home to You” is a pleasantly low-key affair alongside “I Want to Go Out West,” with their tales of love and longing while “Deer Huntin’ Blues” provides a bit of comic relief as well as a more upbeat vibe. Alternately, the weariness of “All My Dues are Paid” slows things down again with honest lyricism as the tenderness of “My Sweet Lovin’ Woman” rings true.
“I’ll Miss You, My Dear Friend” is another slow jam of gentle hope and sorrow yet quickly gives way to the upbeat tempo of “Goin’ Down to Montrose.” A prayer of faith and need come with the plaintive cry of “Dear Lord,” capturing both honesty and artistry in one before opening up to the true country sounds of “I’m Tired of Playing Second Fiddle.” It’s classic country in all aspects and is a perfect fit here.
Coulter also taps into the patriotic vein here with “Hard Workin’, God Fearin’ Folks of the USA” and it’s hat tip to the blue collar folks of the U.S. It’s one of the country credibility tracks that actually works given the rest of the artist’s material; Coulter writes from what he knows and the hard working folks will certainly identify. And lastly, in keeping with roots, Coulter brings to bear an upbeat rendition of that John Newton hymn classic, “Amazing Grace.” It’s a rousing, faith-filled ending that is totally appropriate here.
Ben Coulter’s Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone plays out on two levels. On one, it could simply serve as a quality, stripped down demo session of tracks that will soon be fleshed out a bit more with more instrumentation and bombast. And while that’s perfectly fine if that’s the case (and no doubt some of these tracks would be that much better given such a treatment), there’s something to be said for the stark simplicity of this recording. A man, his guitar, and his convictions; sometimes that’s just the right formula.
Order the new album now at www.bencoulteronline.com
