Steve Wariner Albums (15)
What The Critics Say
Steve Wariner is one of Nashville's most mild-mannered and soft-spoken artists, but beyond this simple humility lies a talent that continues to evolve and to create beauty. Indeed, Wariner is just as at ease penning the profound as he is crooning it. Not only that, he'll pick the song on his acoustic guitar with the skill of his mentor, Chet Atkins. Simultaneously piloting his new Selectone Records label, Wariner proves with his latest release, Steal Another Day, that his thumb is still on the pulse of what fans want. The most remarkable aspect of the new release is the artist's faithfulness to the traditional Steve Wariner sound on cuts such as "Snowfall on the Sand" and "Steal Another Day" while showcasing a new Steve Wariner on the Latin-flavored "Kiss Me Anyway" and "Carmelita." This sensational talent just continues to evolve in all aspects of his music. Wariner seems to want his listeners to realize this evolution by including new recordings of previous hits like "Where Did I Go Wrong" and "Small Town Girl." Steal Another Day is an impressive package from a major player in the Nashville music market. ~ Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Steve Wariner's third Capitol album, Faith in You, is another consistent, craftsman-like effort from an artist who has made the most of his second chance in country music. Wariner has had the advantage that he is, at heart, a player more than a frontman, and his abilities as a guitarist, understated but always apparent in the style of his mentor, Chet Atkins, provide a basic level of enjoyment no matter what else is going on. Wariner is also a formalist who can write and perform a Western swing tune, like "I Just Do," and make it sound authentic. Faith in You contains several such genre exercises, as the singer/songwriter/guitarist picks his way through everything from the rock & roll sound of "Katie Wants a Fast One" (featuring Garth Brooks) to the gospel style of "Blinded," along the way standing toe to toe with Clint Black on "Been There," and coaxing a typically expressive effort from co-writer Rodney Crowell with the Mexican-tinged "Longer Letter Later." His "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" set a standard for sentimental, philosophical story songs in recent country music, and Wariner comes up with several of them here, the most obvious winner being "Turn in the Road," though "Waiting in the Wings" and "I Wish I Were a Train" also fit the bill, and any of the three would make good singles. "Traditionalist" is a term with a specific meaning in country music, so it can't really be used to describe Wariner, who is a master of a variety of country subgenres, each of which has its own tradition. His approach may not be as admirable as that of a truly original artist, but country is a music that rewards adherence to its heritage, and country has no more faithful servant than Steve Wariner. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Burnin' the Roadhouse Down was a glorious comeback for Steve Wariner, proof positive that he could still deliver the goods after several years out of the spotlight. Its sequel, Two Teardrops, doesn't reach those same heights, but that doesn't mean that the album is a failure. As a matter of fact, the best moments on Two Teardrops equal those on its predecessor -- it just that the material on this record isn't quite as consistent. That said, even the filler is engaging due to Wariner's lively performances, which help keep the record's momentum going throughout the 15 tracks. It may not be the stunner Burnin' the Roadhouse Down was, but Two Teardrops proves that Wariner can continue to make winners. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Burnin' the Roadhouse Down'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 12
Label Capitol
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Burnin' the Roadhouse Down finds Steve Wariner in typically fine form. It may have been five years since his last vocal album, Drive (there was an instrumental album, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in the meantime), but all that time off has revived Wariner, resulting in an album that's the equal of his 1991 high-water mark, I Am Ready. His music may not be as fresh as it was in the early '80s, when he was at the beginning of his career, but he's become a masterful craftsman, and that's why the album shines. From the affecting ballad "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" to the Garth Brooks duet on the title track, Burnin' the Roadhouse Down is a terrific contemporary country record that finds a journeyman at the top of his form. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Wariner, a master of the subtle touch, builds this album's impact quietly and methodically, with songs like Bill Anderson's "The Tips of My Fingers" and Wariner's own "Like a River to the Sea." "Leave Him out of This" is a masterpiece of smoldering intensity, its raging anger and pain barely held in check. The only time Wariner lets it loose is at the end, where he locks his guitar in mortal combat with Mark O'Connor's fiddle in the cathartic "Crash Course in the Blues." ~ Brian Mansfield, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After nine years and nine #1 singles, Wariner had basically established himself as Mr. Consistency. Laredo proved, again, that he could sing any type of country well -- swing ("L-O-V-E, Love"), rock ("The Domino Theory"), and heartbreak ballads conveying genuine pain ("She's in Love," "There for Awhile"). ~ Brian Mansfield, All Music Guide
