Lonely Grill (CD - 1999)

Lonestar: Michael Britt (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Dean Sams (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, keyboards); Richie McDonald (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Keech Rainwater (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel includes: Gary Burnette (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Dan Huff (electric guitar); Bruce Bouton (steel & lap steel guitars); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Aubrey Haynie (mandolin, fiddle); Jonathan Yudkin (mandolin); Tim Lauer (accordion); Matt Rollings (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Steve Nathan (piano, synthesizer); Robbie Cheuvront (bass, background vocals); Mike Brignardello (bass); Paul Leim (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Russell Terrell (background vocals).

Principally recorded at The Tracking Room and Iliad Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.

"Amazed" was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal and for Best Country Song.

Personnel: Mike Brignardello (electric bass).

Recording information: Iliad Studios, Nashville, TN; Masterfonics Inc., Nashville, TN; Tracking Room, Nashville, TN.

In 1996, Lonestar had a hit ("No News") that mentioned Pearl Jam. In 1998, "You Walked In" namechecked Madonna and Princess Diana. On their third album, LONELY GRILL, they've thrown in a song ("Don't Let's Talk About Lisa") that mentions Marilyn Manson, Hanson and Ally McBeal. Thankfully, however, Lonestar make much more than cute novelty ditties. LONELY GRILL, Lonestar's first without additional lead vocalist John Rich, shows the band reaching new artistic heights. The menu features melodic, hook-laden tunes that run the gamut from party anthems ("Saturday Night") to heartfelt ballads ("Amazed") to Eagle-esque rockers ("Lonely Grill," "What About Now").

Standouts include the harmony-filled "I've Gotta Find You," in which the narrator ponders the many places he imagines his dream girl might be, and "Smile," in which a guy who's been dumped is determined to put on a brave face, even if it kills him. Sticking to one lead singer, Richie McDonald, also helps the band create a distinctive vocal identity. As a gift to their fans, Lonestar has included a special acoustic version of their #1 hit "Everything's Changed" as the final track, but LONELY GRILL's 11 new cuts more than stand up to that proven hit. minimize