Album Review: CRASH MY PARTY

Almost overnight, Luke Bryan has become the hottest male artist in country music. A remarkable feat, considering he put out his debut release I'll Stay Me barely six years ago. And while Bryan's hit songs have already become classics, he's actually only landed five number ones on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, the most recent in its second week on top.

It's hard to nail down what makes his voice so appealing. Perhaps it's the versatility – Bryan can pull off a tear-jerker with flawless tone in Drink a Beer, but evoke emotion just as well with rap-style songs.

I had high expectations of Crash My Party, and Bryan didn't disappoint. That's My Kind of Night is by far the best tune, with great crossover potential. And while the extravagant pop effects mixed in with lines about "catfish dinner" might make traditionalists cringe, Bryan seems to dig the combo. And it works. "A little Conway, a little T-Pain/Just might make it rain."

Bryan stacks the first half of the album with upbeat, radio-friendly songs like Beer In the Headlights and Roller Coaster. He really rocks out the former, with the fast-paced verses again nearly qualifying as rap. We Run This Town has a great steel guitar line, and reflects on good times from high school like career accomplishments. "We'd drive to fast/We'd get to loud/We thought we made the world go round."

I See You is a semi-dark rocker in which Bryan laments the inability to forget an ex. "I can't go anywhere/I can't do anything/No, I can't close my eyes without you in my dreams." While this album as a whole feels less organic than Tailgates & Tanlines, I don't mind the genre swing. Crash My Party is basically an extension of Country Girl (Shake It for Me) with stronger instrumental backings.

Another notable track is Play It Again, a cute power-ballad marvelling the emotional power of music. However, there are a few songs that don't quite measure up, including Blood Brothers and Shut It Down.

Thematically, this album doesn't vary much from Bryan's previous work. But, he manages to cover young love, loyalty, and redneck tendencies with a new, raw sound. I'd say the risk paid off. While I still love his old style, Crash My Party is more likely to appeal to young listeners who enjoy a variety of contemporary genres. Bryan's momentum isn't going to slow anytime soon.

Country Luke's Rating: 8.5/10

Photo courtesy of http://www.lukebryan.com/welcome.html.

Preview: Manitoba Country Festivals

Talk about a memory machine – summer festivals are classic, but never really get old. And Manitoba is full of them. Since it's already spring (says the calendar, at least), here is an overview of what to look forward to once (or if ) this snow ever melts. 

Dauphin's Countryfest (June 27-30)

You got it! According to its website, Dauphin's Countryfest is Canada's Longest Running Country Music Festival. It's certainly the biggest and best Manitoba has to offer. With this year's star-studded lineup, it's like moving Nashville out to Timbuktu! Performers include Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Thompson Square, Dierks Bentley, and Kip Moore, to name a few, plus Canadian acts like Dean Brody, High Valley, and Emerson Drive. However, weekend passes already sold out within 12 hours in November. Some other attractions include a mechanical bull, sports bar, Countryfest Beach, and poker tournament. The festival has even created a multi-platform mobile app for 2013. Check out countryfest.ca for more info.

Red River EX (June 14-23)

Of course, Winnipeg's Red River EX isn't exclusively a "country" festival. But it's got all of the standards – mini doughnuts, candy apples, cotton candy...did I mention rides? This event probably has the best selection of midway rides locally. And if you need a little more adrenaline, there's a new ride featured this year called Mach 3. Concerts have not been announced yet, but some of last year's were Jason McCoy, Dallas Smith, and of course, the amazing Carly Rae Jepsen. Learn more at redriverex.com.

Summer in the City Festival (June 14-16) 

2013 will be the milestone fifth year of this weekend event, taking place in the downtown of Manitoba's third-largest city. Gord Bamford will be the main country headliner, with opening acts yet to be announced. With a multitude of tents and vendors lined up along Main Street, this young festival feels friendly, busy, and vibrant. Learn more at summerinthecity.ca. 

Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair (June 7-8)

No Dean Brody this year, but as the name suggests, Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair is one of the most genuinely country festivals around. With a large car show and an impressive small-town midway, it's kind of old-fashioned – in a good way. And the Blackout Fireworks (promised to be more spectacular than ever) are actually quite impressive against a Prairie sky. This year's top performers include Aaron Pritchett and Charlie Major. Visit nivervillefair.com for details.

Hanover Ag Fair (August 15-18)

This is festival is also very traditional and relaxed, with a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. It takes place on a fairgrounds in Grunthal (southwest of Steinbach), and usually features a major Canadian country act (to be announced). Last year was Shane Yellowbird, and before that, High Valley. But the rodeo is the real kicker, which was actually named the best of 2012 by the Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association. The fair's website is hanoverag.com.

Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition (July 18-21)

The Morris event isn't centred so much around music, but contains a big rodeo and turns 50 years old in 2013. Manitoba acts Jason Kirkness, Jason Petric, and Frannie Klein will be performing too, and there are a number of side activities, including a youth talent content. You can look it up at manitobastampede.ca.

I know there are many more great Manitoba country events, and if you'd like to add your favourite to the list, feel free to do so below. There's something about the smell of concession stand food, spending an evening wandering a fairgrounds, and getting dizzy from riding the Skymaster that just feels right. I can't wait to hit up some awesome festivals this year, and wish you an excellent country summer!

Photo by Cody Goetz, courtesy of summerinthecity.ca.