More... (CD - 1999)

Personnel includes: Trace Adkins (vocals); Michael Spriggs, Paul Worley, Ray Benson (acoustic guitar); J.T. Corenflos (electric & gut string guitar); Pat Buchanan (electric & slide guitar); Brent Mason (electric guitar); Steve Hinson (steel & lap steel guitar); Jonathan Yudkin (mandolin, fiddle); Rob Hajacos, Larry Franklin (fiddle); The Siewart String Thing (strings); Michael Francis (saxophone); Tony Harrell (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); John Hobbs (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizer); Brian D. Siewert (synthesizer); Glenn Worf, Alison Prestwood (bass); Greg Morrow (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Wes Hightower, Liana Manis, Curtis Wright (background vocals).

Producers: Trey Bruce, Paul Worley, Ray Benson.

Engineers: David Buchanan, Bob Clark, Larry Seyer.

Recorded at The Sound Kitchen, Cool Springs, Tennessee and Bismeaux Studios, Austin, Texas.

Personnel: Ray Benson (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Michael Spriggs, Paul Worley (acoustic guitar); Jason Roberts (electric guitar, fiddle); J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); Cindy Cashdollar, Steve Hinson (steel guitar); Johnny Gimble, Larry Franklin (fiddle); Michael Francis (saxophone); John Hobbs (piano, synthesizer); Chris Booher, Floyd Domino (piano); Joe Chemay (bass guitar); David Sanger, Greg Morrow (drums); Curtis Wright, Troy Johnson , Wes Hightower, Liana Manis, David Earl Miller (background vocals).

Photographer: Pamela Springsteen.

More... is a very apt title for Trace Adkins' third album, since it essentially offers more of the same. For some artists, this would be a harsh criticism, but not in the case of Adkins, since he's proving himself to be one of the more reliable neo-traditionalists of the late '90s. Unlike some of his peers, Adkins doesn't pattern his singing after any of his idols; he absorbs his influences, creating his own distinctive sound that has elements of classic honky tonk as well as blues and rock. He sounds equally convincing on heartbreak songs ("Don't Lie"), rockers ("Can I Want Your Love," "More"), honky tonk ("I'm Gonna Love You Anyway," "I Can Dig It"), and Western swing ("All Hat, No Cattle"). More... may drag a little bit in the middle, but overall, it achieves a nice balance of performance and song, proving along the way that not only does Adkins have and individual voice, but that he's more purely country than many of his peers. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Trace Adkins' imposing stature, baritone voice, and electrifying live shows set him apart from other "hat acts," but with his third album, MORE, its Adkins' choice of material that truly puts him head and shoulders above the rest. MORE is a fine collection of mature, pure country songs, each sung with a depth of emotion that suggests Adkins has lived every one of these lines.

In the powerful "Don't Lie," he's the man begging his wife not to sugarcoat the fact that she's leaving him for someone else. In "Every Other Friday at Five," he's the divorced father, dying inside because he doesn't see his kids enough. And in "The Night He Can't Remember," he's the reformed alcoholic whose final fall off the wagon cost him his relationship. Adkins lightens up on a few tracks--"I Can Dig It" is a sharp, funny two-stepper, while "All Hat & No Cattle" is a Western swingin' put-down of urban cowboys--but MORE's strength is the sad songs. Don't miss "She's Still There," a heart-wrenching track whose subject matter is so unique, it'll take you a few listenings to fully digest its emotional impact. Message to Mr. Adkins: MORE, please. minimize