Gary Allan - Alright Guy (2001)

Gary Allan's fourth album honors traditional honky tonk and American music without dripping into the sentimentality that bogs down so many of his contemporaries. The singing is better here than on anything he's ever done, and the song selection -- ranging from a Todd Snider cover to a nice Bruce Robison-penned closer called "What Would Willie Do" -- is sharp and smart. Alright Guy presents a look at country music that bucks tradition while keeping the faith. © Michael Gallucci