This is a fun album that is packed with some powerful lyrics. It is sure to create some major waves on the country scene. Josh Gracin has a great outlook on life that shines through in his music. This is one that I'd definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys the current country sound.
Josh Gracin first hit the radar of country music fans when he appeared on the second season of American Idol. The "Singing Marine" was a fast favorite and he became the first performer to bring the country sound to the pop based program. While he was still on active duty, Gracin earned a recording contract from Disney's Lyric Street Records label. He put together his first album, which is steadily climbing towards platinum status, while flying in and out of Nashville around his military schedule.
He did something very right, as he was one of only three new male artists in 2004 to release an album that was certified Gold. He was also the only new male artist to have three consecutive top 5 singles from his debut album. He quickly became known as a high energy performer who likes to make his audience feel as much a part of his shows as possible. While his music is a powerful and driving force on an instrumental level; the lyrics are also very powerful on a vocal level. He is careful to choose songs that reflect his strong values and principles. They offer stories that allow the listener to learn a little more about who Gracin is on a personal level.
With his second album, Gracin was able to devote his full attention to choosing the material and being in the studio recording. He also stretched his wings a little as a writer. His current single and title track, "We Weren't Crazy," was co-written by Gracin, Tony Lopacinski and Bobby Pinson.
Along with the title song, this 11 track album has some very strong songs to keep the listener wanting to hear more. I couldn't find a bad song in the bunch. I really liked "Invisible." He sometimes wishes he was invisible so he could spend time falling in love all over again with her when she didn’t know he was there watching the cute little things she did. It's just a song that makes you get a goofy grin at the thought of someone loving you that much.
"Let Me Fall" and "I Don't Want to Live" are both slower songs about love that has gone wrong. One of my favorites on the album is "Favorite State of Mind." It is upbeat and lyrically fun. He names several states and what they are associated with then tells her that she's his favorite state of mind.
"Telluride" is a song about meeting and falling in love with the beautiful Rocky Mountain city of Telluride as the backdrop.
Gracin has developed a huge fan base because of his high energy shows that give people the entertainment they crave. He has a voice that makes people sit up and take notice and keep coming back to hear more. This album is sure to be a huge success and ensure that Gracin is around for years to come.
ABOUT JOSH GRACIN:
Josh Gracin’s life overflows with extraordinary, character-building stories. But, first and foremost, he’s well-known because he’s an undeniably talented singer and entertainer. So, here are the facts that matter most: He’s one of only two new country artists in recent times to release a debut album with three Top 5 country hits (including the No. 1 hit “Nothin’ to Lose”). He’s also one of only two new male country singers to be introduced in the last two years to earn a gold album, and Gracin’s self-titled debut is quickly edging in on platinum status.
“It’s been an amazing couple of years,” says the broad-shouldered former Marine with the dark eyes and bright smile. “Country music fans have been really receptive and encouraging. I feel like, for a first step, we did really well. But it was just a first step.”
For his next step, Gracin wanted to make a bigger, bolder stride. His sophomore album does just that. It’s a clear, powerful move forward that emphasizes all the energy, humor, outspokenness and depth that makes Gracin one of the great musical discoveries of his generation.
“This album is more me,” says the Michigan native with strong blue-collar roots and a make-it-his-way attitude. “I was able to focus on making the album I wanted to make. For the first album, I was still in the service, so I had to fly in and out to record when I could. It had my undivided attention.” And it shows.
The young star known for his energetic stage performances made sure his new work focused on his strengths: live-wire, rocking country that blends wit and wholesome fun; inspiring story songs about being true to yourself; moral tales rich with Middle-American values and a strong spiritual core; and songs that celebrate the down-to-earth lifestyle that Gracin pursues and personifies.
“I wanted this album to reflect my energy and my values,” he says. “There’s nothing I love more than getting a crowd on its feet and getting them to sing along and rock with me to a great song. I also wanted songs of substance that really explain who I am and what I stand for. And that’s what I hope that we’ve accomplished.”
The album includes such high-speed, fun-filled romps as the first single, “Favorite State of Mind,” which opens with an explosive drum roll and a rowdy blast of down-home rock while paying tribute to the notion that sometimes the greatest vacation is time alone with the one you love.
“Boy, that’s something I completely relate to,” he says. “I spend all my time traveling to all these great places; a great privilege to be able to be doing what I love the most – taking my music out to the world, entertaining my fans and hopefully making new ones. But my favorite place to be? With my wife and with my family; Likely no different than most out there.”
The rowdy cut, “All About Y’all,” is a cheeky paean to red-blooded women and how men strive to please them. Set to a mix of rollicking banjo and power chords, the song highlights Gracin’s one-of-a-kind ability to bring a life-affirming swagger to high-speed lyrics and fist-pumping anthems. Similarly, the hooky, celebratory “Getaway” perfectly encapsulates the excitement of a couple spontaneously taking off for a romantic weekend.
“Every show I do, I see how strongly crowds respond to uptempo songs,” Gracin explains. “I can’t wait to play these new songs to more people, because I’ve already seen how people react to them. I like to use the whole stage, running back and forth when performing, and this album gives me the material to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, the tender “Sweet September” recalls how we never forget the details, or the complex feelings, that come with the first romantic experiences of youth. Elsewhere, Gracin boldly looks at faith and love from different points of view, from the powerful moral reminder of “I Am God” to how love can be everlasting, as touted in the moving “When I’m Gone.”
“It’s important to me that the songs I sing represent my point of view,” Gracin says. “I’ve learned not to back away from what I believe in and from what I think is right. I’ve fought all along to be who I am. The further I go, the more I see that I only succeed when I follow my heart and stay true to myself.”
Indeed, Gracin’s distinguished himself all along by walking to his own drumbeat. He first entered America’s homes as one of the most charismatic and distinctive performers in the second season of American Idol, the first to bring country music to the pop-oriented hit show.
Similarly, Gracin didn’t let his status as an active-duty U.S. Marine keep him from simultaneously serving his country and pursuing a music career. While he had offers to go in other musical directions, Gracin knew he belonged in country music.
Still, Gracin earned his record deal the old-fashioned way. He stood in the offices of Disney’s Lyric Street Records on Nashville’s famed Music Row and, in front of a room of record executives, performed solo. An offer for a recording contract immediately followed.
The rest is when the real story of Josh Gracin begins. His first album introduced him with the top hit singles “I Want to Live,” “Nothin’ to Lose” and “Stay with Me (Brass Bed),” while his electrifying live shows thrilled and energized crowds everywhere. Now a civilian and able to concentrate on his career, he has bought a new home near Nashville with his family.
“My life has changed a lot in a few years, but I haven’t changed,” the singer says. “I have a family that keeps me grounded. For me, it’s all about the music. I just want to get out there and help people have a good time and play some great music for them.”
