It’s been over five years since Josh Gracin made his debut on American Idol, where he came in forth, and almost four since his debut album. In between his first album and this follow up American Idol castoffs have become common place on country radio. What most people seem to forget is that Carrie wasn’t the first, that honor belongs to Josh.
Did being out of the spotlight affect him? Yes and no. He wasn’t truly gone, he was releasing singles but radio seemed to ignore them, thus this album kept getting pushed back. The wait for this album was long, and I was let down by the finished product.
I have always liked Josh’s voice, I think that it has a nice warmth to it, but very few songs on We Weren’t Crazy let him show this. For most of the album it feels like he’s disconnected from the songs, there’s no emotion in any of the songs.
There are two exceptions to this though. “Favorite State Of Mind” & ”Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” are the only two songs that stood out to me. “Favorite State Of Mind” showed a cool thing Josh is able to do, rapid fire lyrics, which he used to great effect in “Nothin’ To Lose”, which was his first #1. I love this technique and it gives him something to set him apart. If he incorporated this in to more of his songs it would give him something he desperately needs, a personality. “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” doesn’t feature the rapid fire delivery, instead it goes the opposite direction as a slow ballad. This is the only song Josh wrote alone, and it’s a sweet tribute to his wife. Some reviews I’ve read have been comparing it to Lonestar’s “Amazed”, and while I don’t think it’s that good I believe this is the best song Josh has et to record. It’s simple production perfectly suits the lyrics.
It’s too bad the rest of the album isn’t as good as those two, but after repeated listens I still can’t remember them. For all the Josh fans who have been waiting for this album, they will be pleased. For the rest of us, download the two I mentioned and skip the rest. 2 Out Of 5
Josh Gracin said,
April 7, 2008 at 6:13 am
Cool glad you listened to it at least. Just one thing a sang my heart out in all these songs thats a fact. Each song has been an event in my life that I have learned from. I assure you there is no disconnect on any track. Thank you for your opinion it wil only make me stronger.
Respectfully
JG
Tim Hensley Opry Audience Surprised by Kenny Chesney Visit -- The 9513 said,
April 7, 2008 at 4:04 pm
[...] his affinity for the warmth in Josh Gracin’s voice, Jordan Stacey feels like Gracin is disconnected from most of the songs on We Weren’t Crazy with the exceptions of “Favorite State of [...]
Leeann said,
April 7, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hey Jordan,
Welcome to the blogosphere!! I really thought this review was dead on. Great job!
Now, is there proof that the above was really from Josh Gracin? Perhaps I’m too cynical, but I have my doubts…:)
Jordan Stacey said,
April 9, 2008 at 1:38 am
Thanks Leeann I love reading you an Kevin’s blog, I read it everyday.
I’m also wondering if it was really Josh Gracin who wrote that. If it was cool, if it wasn’t good anyway.
Mike said,
October 16, 2008 at 9:38 pm
If it really was Josh Gracin who wrote that, I’d like to assure him that I disagree with the reviewer as well. I think he sang his heart out on all the tracks. I’ve been listening to music for 50 years and this CD caught my listening attention from the first time I heard it. I sampled all the songs many times before I bought it, but I knew from the start it was a winner. When all the songs grab me on the first listen the way these songs did, then I know I will eventually end up with the CD. I found myself longing to hear it again. However, I do give much credit to the songwriters and producers of the CD. I love Josh’s performances, but I realize it takes a good song first and foremost to capture my ear. My favorite tracks? “We Weren’t Crazy” and “Livin’ It Up”. Thanks for your artistry, Josh.
jennifer said,
October 21, 2008 at 12:49 am
u have a nice voice and u have pretty songs.