The Rock (CD - 2009)

Personnel: Darin Favorite, Dennis Parker (acoustic guitar); Loren Nelson (steel guitar); Joe Caverlee (mandolin, fiddle); Steve Poole (keyboards); Pat Lassiter (bass guitar); Greg Stocki (drums); Kim Parent, Wes Hightower, Tania Hancheroff, Melody Crittendon (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Julian King.

Audio Remasterer: Hank Williams.

Contemporary country vocalist Tracy Lawrence had his fair share of both success (Platinum-selling albums and dozens of hit singles) and much-publicized personal travails (an assault charge and several failed marriages). THE ROCK was ostensibly recorded to fulfill a promise to the Georgia native's parents, but it was his stock of varied life experience that made Lawrence comfortable enough to finally record a faith-based album. Sonically, the album differs little from his secular records, showcasing the same stone-cold country, whiskey-soaked vocals and smooth production that made Lawrence a star. Lyrically, however, songs such as "Dear Lord," "I'm Done," and "Say a Prayer" are direct, unabashed paeans of faith and thanks to the Creator, making THE ROCK one of Tracy Lawrence's most heartfelt efforts. minimize