Rebels & Angels
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The Nashville legend Terry McBride returns with his first solo record, and he’s in fine company as Rebels & Angels brings on Chris Stapleton, Luke Laird, and Brice Long, among others, to help with songwriting duties, and an appearance by the always impressive Patty Loveless doesn’t go unnoticed, either.
“Callin’ All Hearts” starts the listen with McBride’s proficient guitar and strong vocals alongside a very playful country influenced setting that’s not short on melody and ‘90s nods, and “She Shows Up” follows with some extremely well executed honky tonk fun that flows with adventurous grit amid its memorable shuffling.
At the midpoint, “Went For One” is a swift rootsy rocker that’s key friendly and recruits Delbert McClinton for the lively climate, while “Love Me Some Texas” trims the pace back with sublime balladry about McBride’s native state. The aptly titled “Honkiest Tonkest Time I Ever Had”, which is one of the album’s best, then brings a festive spirit and a lot of fun to the warm and energetic formula.
Near the end, “Leave The Neon Light On” offers an anthemic quality with a bouncy spirit and sing-alongs where fiddle and steel guitar work together dynamically, and “Lampasas Lady” exits the listen calm, emotive and with intimacy in McBride’s timeless delivery.
Even if McBride’s name doesn’t ring a bell, we’ve all heard his work as he’s penned tunes for Brooks And Dunn, Garth Brooks, Reba and George Strait, and many others, and it’s nice to see him stepping into the spotlight on this exceptional listen that all fans of country music, past and present, will enjoy.
Travels well with: Steven Bruce- Same Time, Same Place, Same Station; Corb Lund- Agricultural Tragic