Rhett Akins Albums (4)
'Friday Night in Dixie'
Release Date 3/26/2002
Tracks 14
Label Audium
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
With its signings of folks like Ross Nickerson, John Anderson, and Rhett Akins, Audium Records is like the second chance home for those country neo-traditionalists squeezed out of Nashville by both the pop direction of Faith Hill or Shania Twain and the rootsier moves of the alt-country posses. Like Akins' three major-label albums of the '90s, 2002's Friday Night in Dixie blends George Strait and the Marshall Tucker Band for an entertaining if not particularly innovative mix of country twang and Southern rock choogle. The title track, co-written and produced by Charlie Daniels, raises the most hell, but Akins is at his best on more introspective material like the sweet "She Was" and the lonesome "Where the Blacktop Ends." Bookended by a pair of country-radio possibilities, the anonymous but catchy "Highway Sunrise" and a swell acoustic version of Akins' biggest '90s hit, "That Ain't My Truck," Friday Night in Dixie is a solid comeback for a journeyman singer/songwriter. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As the title suggests, What Livin's All About finds Rhett Akins stripping back the production gloss somewhat in favor of straight-ahead, direct neo-traditionalist country. Of course, Akins still has his eye on the new country audience, so the album is hardly honky tonk, but it does reveal that he has a strong ear for material. Most of the songs steer away from the frothy fun of early tracks like "That Ain't My Truck" and "I Brake for Brunettes" in favor of more introspective material (most of which is written by other songwriters). The result isn't as immediate as his first two records, but it's arguably more rewarding, proving that he's more than a flash in the pan. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
