Grade: 79/100
Tim McGraw has been a part of the country music scene long enough to know what he’s doing.
That being said, his newest album “Sundown Heaven Town,” has some good hits, but for the most part, it’s just another average country album.
Recently, the crossover country genre has been producing what feels like the same song over and over again. Most of the time, one song can’t be differentiated from another. While this creates continuity on the record, too much similarity can make an album boring and repetitive.
The single “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” with Faith Hill is one of the record’s high points, and it’s more than just a hit that will fade out. I easily can see it transitioning into a country classic.
“I’m Feelin’ You” is another song worth a listen. This song breaks away from the current typical country song and has a more upbeat, dance-y sound, with more layers than the usual guitar-laden country tune. It has the loud layers of a full band, making it more exciting and a good addition to the mostly monotone album.
McGraw’s record also has a good combination between slow and fast songs. The back and forth keeps the overall similar songs from becoming too boring.
Even though the album is nothing too special, it does the job it’s supposed to do. The record provides a new collection of feel-good country music that can be played in the car, at a tailgate or just relaxing at home. While McGraw could have done more and attempted to break out of the monotone country song curse, his album is still listenable.
Country fans will be pleased, while those who tolerate country will continue to do just that. And those who hate it won’t have their opinions changed. In the end, “Sundown Heaven Town” is mediocre at best.