Joe Nichols Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Joe Nichols finally had a big hit with his 2005 album III, released nearly a decade after his first independent records. III found Nichols loosening up a bit, delivering the very funny "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" which was also a strong song outside its quips, strong enough to become a genuine pop Top 40 hit after it topped the country charts. Such success can be hard to follow, and for his 2007 follow-up Real Things, Nichols does beat a bit of retreat, deciding not to expand upon that slyly rowdy hit but instead returning to the ballads that served him well for his first two records. He still kicks up the tempo on occasion -- most notably on "Let's Get Drunk and Fight," a sequel to "Tequila" that's nearly as laugh-out-loud funny, but also on the speedy "Comin' Back in a Cadillac," a tune that's more traditionally country-rockin' yet also on the anthemic "It Ain't No Crime" -- but by and large Real Things is a gentler affair, reminiscent of his second album, Revelation. However, there is a difference here: that record often seemed to cruise by on Music City gloss where Real Things digs deep, sounding deeply felt no matter how smooth it gets. Or no matter how sappy it gets, either, since there are several songs that flirt with being just a bit too emotional, whether it's the nostalgia of the title track or the autobiography of "Ain't Nobody Gonna Take That from Me." What saves these songs is the warmth of the production and, above all, the richness of Nichols' singing. He can find the truth in a cliché and is compelling even in the quietest moments, of which there are many here. Real Things is an album designed for contemplation or relaxation, and it works as both, sliding into the background or rewarding close listening. Some may wish that Nichols partied a little harder in the wake of "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," but even those naysayers will likely find this to be his most consistent album to date -- and those who prefer his smooth, comforting voice to his taste in traditional country may indeed find this to be his best album as well. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Joe Nichols gets a little loose on his third major-label album, appropriately titled III, as evidenced by the very title of its first single, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off." It's a silly name and would seem like a throwaway novelty, but it's not only genuinely funny, Nichols delivers it with sly humor and a low-key swagger that shows more character, as a vocalist, than he did on his previous albums. And that's the key to this album -- it's the first time that Nichols displays some genuine on-record personality that sets him apart from the Music City machine. While he still has a couple of generic numbers here, by and large the material is much stronger, bearing a harder country edge than the songs on his previous album, Revelation. Since Nichols has always had an appealing twang to his baritone, this harder country bent suits him well, particularly because it's not only present on straight-ahead country numbers like the two-step "Honky Tonk Girl" or Steve Earle's mournful "My Old Friend the Blues," Nichols also gives such softer, '70s-styled numbers like "Talk Me out of Tampa" a touch of grit, which is something he couldn't do on his previous albums. He's managed to steer away from the suburban country tract he was on and head back toward the country, which has made his music livelier and quite entertaining. Nichols still isn't a traditionalist on the level of his clear idol Alan Jackson -- the subjects, sound, and feel are more modern than traditional -- but he manages to strike a good balance of classic and contemporary here on III, which not only makes it his best album to date, but the first to suggest that he's carved out a distinctive niche for himself. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'A Traditional Christmas'
Release Date 9/28/2004
Tracks 10
Label Universal South
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
It may be a little early in Nichols' career for a Christmas album, yet this alto-baritone delivers a simple one. But simple's a good thing when it comes to holiday albums. The ten-track collection covers all the favorites, so there's no room for anything new. Nichols' take on such traditional fare as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Silver Bells" and "O Holy Night" is pure country, steady and strong. The Alan Jackson sound-alike makes you wish for Christmas more than once a year. ~ Maria Konicki Dinoia, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After years of toiling away in Nashville, Joe Nichols finally had a lucky break in 2002, signing to Universal South, who helped turn his major-label debut, Man With a Memory, into a hit on the strength of the hits "The Impossible," "Brokenheartsville," and "She Only Smokes When She Drinks." As the album started to make waves, Nichols joined Alan Jackson on tour, and it was a good match. After all, Nichols not only is clearly influenced by Jackson, but as Revelation (his 2004 follow-up to Man With a Memory) illustrates, he's in a way the first of the post-Jackson contemporary country singers, learning honky tonk from the neo-traditionalist singer and sharing a similar affection for '70s soft rock. Jackson has stronger ties to hardcore country, whereas Nichols favors the softer stuff; even when there's a strong twang, as there is on the amiably catchy "Don't Ruin It for the Rest of Us," it's subdued and polished, almost functioning as texture. This is deliberately suburban country, country lacking a down-home spirit, country that's several generations removed from its rural origins, and while that will likely irk some listeners -- certainly fans who favor the rebellious spirit of Waylon Jennings, who Nichols covers on the title track, but possibly fans of Jackson, who remains quite traditional country despite the schmaltz and Jimmy Buffett duets -- there's also something to be said for the laid-back sounds of Nichols. He's an heir to the soft rock of the late '70s and early '80s, where even his faster songs sound more California mellow than Nashville slick, and he has a friendly voice that makes Revelation a pleasant listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other'
Release Date 9/3/2002
Tracks 10
Label Row Music Group
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
From the looks of him -- long, unkempt hair and wrinkled jeans jacket over a black T-shirt -- on the cover of his major-label debut, Man With a Memory, you might expect that Joe Nichols aspires to be the next Kris Kristofferson-style Nashville rebel. Appearances can be deceiving, however. Vocally, Nichols sounds like Alan Jackson trying to make like George Jones, and he sings Nashville country songs played by Music City session players. The album's lead single is "The Impossible," a piece of country philosophy about how impossible things happen. In the first verse, the narrator's apparently invincible father turns out to be able to feel pain after all; in the second a paralyzed friend learns to walk. Most of the other songs range from barroom weepers ("She Only Smokes When She Drinks") to expressions of romantic devotion. Tom T. Hall's "Life Don't Have to Mean Nothing at All" is a particular highlight. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
