Tailgates & Tanlines

 (67 customer reviews)

...although the album cover and album title suggest this is simply a collection of songs about partying with Mr. Country McDreamy in a v-neck t-shirt, that is just the half of it. The first half of the album is basically about having a good time or the effects of having a good time - whether it's good dancing', good lovin', good drinkin', or bad drinkin' and losin' it all. These are fairly fun and pleasant songs, but they border on being run-of-the-mill Nashville Top 40 style - let's call it cotton candy country...

The last half of the album grasps for something deeper, darker, and truer - and suddenly Luke Bryan has substance. "Harvest Time" is reminiscent of a Ryan Adams or John Mellencamp style ode to one's hometown. "Muckalee Creek Water" displays story-telling confidence worthy of Garth Brooks. "Tailgate Blues" has a familiar, folksy, hymn-like quality to it. You get the idea.

First half of album = cotton candy
Last half of album = meat and...Read more

"Tailgates and Tanlines" is Luke Bryan's third full length studio album and the follow up to "Doin' My Thing," his breakthrough album from 2009. This is, in my opinion, the epitome of what a country album should be: great songs, good musicianship, and great lyrics that make you want to sing and dance, have fun, or lament over a broken heart. The diversity of songs here is impressive: Everything from your typical country twang to up-tempo party songs to beautifully written music with compelling story lines. "Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" gets things started and is the perfect opener: a driving bass drum will keep your head moving, and the perfectly layered electric guitars and banjos add just the right texture to keep things interesting. "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" keeps up the pace with a catchy hook, an incredible melody enhanced by Bryan's classic southern drawl, and some great guitar work that keeps the tune moving along. "You Don't Know Jack"is a sad song about the perils of...Read more

I've been in love with Luke Bryan's songs since I saw him in concert at tiny Benton Co. Fair! I was so excited for this cd, and a month after getting it, it's still my "go-to" cd in the car.