Dollar

With a distinct, identifiable vocal snarl and the ability to write songs without constantly using half a dozen Music Row collaborators, Alabama native Jamey Johnson forcefully asserts his neotraditional bent on "The Dollar," a beautifully crafted high-impact cautionary about the modern conundrum of work versus family. His skill at delivering with utter clarity and lack of artifice enhances every performance, as he reinvents the timeless lost-love-and-redemption ballad with "Flying Silver Eagle" and on "My Saving Grace" thoughtfully counsels perseverance despite an alcoholic father. The generic "redneck" ditties currently in vogue get their moments with "Rebelicious" and "Redneck Side of Me." They pale, however, alongside Johnson's admirable storytelling on "She's All Lady," his witty Honkytonkers Anonymous vibe on "Keepin' Up with the Jonesin'" (with a superfluous cameo by George Jones) and the moving "Back to Caroline." The final surprise: a powerful gospel closer, "Lead Me Home." Debuts suffer if an artist lacks confidence or faces mediocre production and material. Those aren't issues for Johnson, who delivers refreshingly straight and honest. --Rich Kienzle