Buddy Jewell Times Like These Audio CD

When Buddy Jewell was catapulted to stardom by his 2003 win on the reality-TV show NASHVILLE STAR, it was a classic example of an overnight sensation who'd actually been on the cusp of success for decades. A longtime Nashville demo singer with thousands of sessions under his belt, Jewell was finally able to put his professionalism and smooth vocal chops to use in the big leagues.

TIMES LIKE THESE is his sophomore album and a markedly more relaxed-sounding affair than his debut, which was rushed out to capitalize on his television exposure. Jewell's molasses-like voice really caresses every note of the songs here, perfectly matching the easy-flowing ballad "If She Were Any Other Woman" in classic Don Williams style. "Back to You" steps up the energy a bit with careening fiddle and steel guitar, but the Arkansas native still maintains a detached cool. On the self-penned "Dyess, Arkansas," however, the singer really digs in, giving the loping, Merle Haggard-esque story-song a deep intensity. Keeping it stone-cold country, Jewell channels Waylon Jennings on the stomping, remembering-my-rowdy-days track "I'd Run." Far from just another reality-show cash-in, TIMES LIKE THESE is a solid album from a mature artist.