Billy Joe JR. Walker - Life Is Good (1994)

It's frightening to imagine the heights and depths Billy Joe Walker, Jr.'s artistry might reach once he realizes that the CD format allows for albums of longer than thirty six minutes. Though the countrified guitar master once again limits himself from any lengthy explorations on the self-fulfilling Life is Good, celebrating the vast charms of the inspiring themes he chooses to tackle is nothing short of sheer melodic pleasure. He's still a solid purveyor of punchy ear candy, but this time challenges himself so that breezy gems like the Brandon Fields sax-laced "West Coast Sunset" is balanced by artsier blues-based rock excursions like "Key West Skies" and "Too Cool For Words." He displays a thoughtful, heartfelt side on lazy afternoons like "Old World," and even does some soulful traveling "On The Border," mixing acoustic and electric moods like a sudden thunderstorm on an incomparably sunny day. With the crack assistance of pianists Jim Cox and labelmate John Jarvis, Walker seems pleased to keep radio excited while digging deeper for excursions that mark the arrival of a true artist in every sense of the word. © Jonathan Widran