Joe Nichols, "It's All Good" (Show Dog-Universal)
Joe Nichols has always shown two aspects of his persona: There's the guy who ranks among the best traditional country singers of his generation, and the one who sings humorous ditties and sentimental family fare aimed at getting radio play.
Both sides rise up on Nichols' sixth studio album, "It's All Good." The album is aptly named, as the 10-song collection features some of the best hardcore country music heard this year and a few lighthearted tunes that manage to be witty without being corny.
On the traditional side, the title cut is a sweetly swinging fiddle-and-steel tune that proves once again that Nichols is as good as George Strait at blending tone and rhythm to perfectly deliver a timeless country song.
On the contemporary side, Nichols brings a wink to the macho swagger of upbeat, guitar-and-drum cuts like the lusty "The More I Look" and the recent hit, "Take It Off," which suggests letting go of worries by bringing convertible top down, putting the boat in the water and losing some clothes as the day goes on. Even better, his deep, easy vocal style ideally fits a modern love song like "I Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: With "Never Gonna Get Enough," Nichols celebrates discovering there's more joy in a lasting love at home than in living it up on the town. He sings the softly swaying tune with the relaxed tone of a guy who has experienced both.