Last month, while previewing Nashville Star’s season finale in the pages of EW, I said that if country fans didn’t vote the way I wanted them to (i.e., choosing eventual winner Angela Hacker), they deserved American Idol season 5 finalist Bucky Covington, who drops a self-titled debut April 17.
Cut to the EW issue hitting stands tomorrow, in which I’m giving Bucky’s album a B+. Now, I know I’m not the only one who didn’t think he had it in him after this, but who else will admit that they were wrong after enjoying a full-length "Sneak Peek" of the album’s 11 tracks?
If you’ve only got time (or will give time) for one song, make it"The Bible and the Belt." Bucky’s throaty Southern drawl, and someserious guitars, rock those hillbilly blues: "Mamma sang the gospel,daddy drove it home/ Momma was an angel, daddy was a brimstone/ Onefoot in Heaven, one foot in hell/ I found religion ‘tween the Bible andthe belt." If you dig that, you’ll also enjoy "Ain’t No Thing," inwhich Bucky emulates one of his idols, Jeff Healey:"I can get feelin’ down/ I can cruise downtime/ And find a good placeto cry/ And drink a bottle dry/ I could see closin’ time/ I could easemy mind/ In all them little honky-tonk joints/ But baby what’s thepoint…"( Let’s hope he can sell those barn burners live.)
The rest of the album, spearheaded by Sawyer Brown frontman MarkMiller (who contacted Bucky the day after he got the boot from Cowelland Co.), is a lesson in versatility. While I can appreciate theold-school sounds of the first single "Different World" and the gospelrevival "Hometown," I’d like them even better if George Jones would’verecorded them. I prefer my nostalgia, as sung by a 29-year-old anyway,a bit more cocky — and the three men-and-a-hot-rod road-trip anthem"Back When We Were Gods" produces. (Unlike the rebel-rousingalbum-opener "American Friday Night," that references Domino’s. Notsexy.)
For folks who like Keith Urban’s poppy exuberance, there’s "It’sGood to Be Us," and for those who prefer Trace Adkins-styleI’ve-been-wronged pissiness, there’s "Empty Handed." Covington had ahand in writing one track on the album, and that’s "Carolina Blue,"which sounds like a steel-guitar smooth-groove tribute to another ofBucky’s idols, George Strait.Finally, should you like to push your country to the extreme, there’sthe cheeky "I’m Good," in which Bucky asks the Lord to help him woo thedeacon’s daughter. (He’s diesel fuel and she’s holy water.) And thenthere’s the one weepy ballad, "I’ll Walk." He and his prom date have afight. She gets out of the car. She’s wearing a black dress. You seewhere this is headed, right?
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I’m no country fan. But this isn’t bad for a first effort. It’s good generic country, perfect for radio.
But I would buy Carrie Underwood’s album, go figure. She has one of the greatest voices. I could listen to her sing anything…..
I’m no country fan at all, but I was a Bucky fan anyway. I’m glad to see that his CD is well-received.
Seriously, not bad. I like the Bible and Belt song best. It isn’t especially original, but sounds good. Good job, Bucky!
Ooo, I hope that line about cribs painted with lead paint is on the album. It explains everything.
I’m starting to think the AI house band makes the singers sound worse than they are. I mean the band is smoking and it doesn’t give the singers room to breathe. Maybe all the singers should start out singing acappella and THEN THE BAND SHOULD COME IN AFTER A FEW BARS.
Bible and the belt is pretty good. I am impressed.
Ah, the wonders of Pro Tools! Having “enjoyed” Bucky on AI, I know the dude simply can.not.sing. I’d bet the farm (the only nearly destroyed in Astronaut Farmer) that he’s had electronic assistance.
Actually I saw him at the Grand Ole Opry recently and it isn’t electonic help. Idol just wasn’t he best showcase for him I believe.He sounded live just like the cd.
Having heard Bucky sing live, acoustically, from a few feet away (and more than once, at that), I can assure you that Bucky can indeed sing–and he sings very well indeed. He’s the real deal.
I watched Bucky on idol and adored him there, I could see the potential and I agree with the “house band” commentator. Bucky has grown since idol in many ways and the potential is coming to life with top producers, writers and especially Mark Miller’s guidance in tapping and training the raw, untapped talent into a budding superstar. If you have not seen him live, DO IT! you will not be disappointed. That kid CAN sing!
Yeah… it’s a live performance that tells the tale. Heck I could cut an album and sound half decent with all the magic gadgetry they have in the studios. But if you can pull off a good vocal onstage for an hour, then your ‘they can’t sing’ theory blows!
I’m ashamed to say that when I saw Bucky on the street when he auditioned (the Greensboro auditions were 3 blocks from my work), I thought for sure he was one of those that sucked. I went home that night talking smack. Needless to say, I was wrong and I’m so glad I was wrong. If you’re not a country fan, odds are you aren’t a fan of Bucky, but he’s genuine in a way that I can’t help but appreciate (and which works well with country). His voice is country at its deepest, and I’ll be buying his album along with the other two from last season who left a lasting impression – Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtry. (Oddly enough, my favorite part of the Idol tour was Bucky, Elliott and Chris singing together.)
I have seen Bucky live several times and believe me that boy can sing. If you doubt, go see him live and you will be a fan. He does a very energetic performance and you will get you money’s worth. The CD is excellent and offers something even for those that are not true blue country fans.
I wasn’t a big fan of Bucky’s on American Idol last year, however, I’ve seen him live and personally met him. Not only is he very nice, but he seems to have a genuine spirit about the music he sings. The CD has a good mix of songs – I think there is something for everyone on the album.
I don’t care how good Bucky is…he went further than Mandisa, and that’s not cool man
I don’t care how good Bucky is…he went further than Mandisa, and that’s not cool man
I have not heard the song yet, but I will. Just wanted to say that I think he has gorgeous hair, and a beautiful smile.
in some of the songs, bucky actually sounds like the lead singer from wallflowers
Bucky’s talented, personable and has fantastic stage presence. He was great on the GAC country Christmas Tour. I’ll be out first thing Tuesday to buy my CD.
Bucky is the most down to earth, honest individual anyone could meet. His CD will most definately be certified platinum in a very short time…. if you can’t appreciate such an awesome talent, then you’re not listening…We Love Bucky!!
AND ROCKY TOO!!!!
GREAT job, guys!!!!!!
Bucky Covington’s new CD is awesome! I am a huge Bucky fan and I have to say that the CD is even better than I thought it would be! Every song on this CD has hit potential written all over it! I can’t wait to get mine, I love the song Carolina Blue. It’s been in my head all day! Go Bucky!!
It isn’t often that I find a cd that I like most of the songs. I must say that I was thrilled when I discovered that I liked everyone of the songs on Bucky’s new cd…He has grown so much since appearing on AI…Way to go Bucky!
WHEN WE WERE GODS is my favorite on the CD. call the stations to play!
Bucky can attract the good ones! His supporters have such a positive force!
If Bucky Covington can sing a —– can pick cotton….. He is a great guy but this just goes to show how the right marketing can make idiots really beleive someone is singing in key. There are people that were on the show that can really sing but didnt get the backing. This reminds me of Karoake where people praise someone for there singign when they actually sound terrible. They is a difference between talent for singing and being considered hot for your looks. People need to learn to seperate them. But with all honesty, he is a really great person and I wish the best for him. Maybe someday he wil learn to sing to go with his looks.
I think that the CD is GREAT! I can’t remember the last time that I liked all the songs on a CD. Great job Bucky!
I LOVE THE CD AND I LOVE BUCKY!!!!
I LOVED HIM THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM ON AI AND I WENT TO THE AI CONCERT AND HE WAS GREAT!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!!!
Great job Bucky. Keep up the good work. I am glad Rocky is with you now. Hope to see you guys soon when you tour Carolina……
I have seen Bucky LIVE and he is the real deal!!! His album is awsome, I really like all the songs. My fav is I’ll Walk It is a real heart thumper, I tear up every time. I can’t wait for the nest album to come out!!! Tons of love to you Bucky and thanks for singing to us.
I have seen Bucky LIVE and he is the real deal!!! His album is awsome, I really like all the songs. My fav is I’ll Walk It is a real heart thumper, I tear up every time. I can’t wait for the next album to come out!!! Tons of love to you Bucky and thanks for singing to us.