Review-Oak Ridge Boys-The Boys are Back

I've been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since they first "went county" with Y'all Come Back Saloon (way) back in 1977. That's right...the year I couldn't stop spinning Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" or escape anywhere from the behemoth that was "Star Wars." I've always had a weak spot for harmony...whether Fleetwood Mac's pitch perfect pop sheen or the Oak Ridge Boy's well crafted four part gospel style.

It seemed incongruous at first...Outlaw music sung in gospel harmony...but I knew from the moment "Y'all Come Back Saloon" was released and heard "Old Time Lovin'" featured on "The Dukes of Hazzard" that these fellas had taken a shot in the dark and hit a commercial bullseye. More success followed...with the Oaks having attained bona fide legend status by the release of "Monogahela" in 1988. Along the way they have dodged plenty of critical barbs and yet continued to be true to their vision at that moment. Through all of the attention, the Oaks have made their reputation as being some of the most genuine people in the business-a class act in every sense.

Fast forward to 2009. The Oaks have been making gospel albums since 1992. They've all navigated into the shallow waters of their senior years... and then the unthinkable..."The Boys are Back." By electing to make a secular country album after 17 years the Oaks have defied expectations...and reached #16 on the country charts.

The album itself is a mixed bag. The anthemic title track written by Shooter Jennings makes its point as intended...The Boys are Back. Unfortunately the song is a bit repetitive... it does clearly announce the new direction the Oaks are taking on this record. Shooter's lyrics bring some religion and politics to the table and this will no doubt cause some controversy. "Boom Boom" is a bit silly, but it actually works thanks to some well placed enthusiasm.

The production throughout is rough edged...the album was recorded in two weeks...clearly the intent was to capture the excitement the Oaks felt while working on their new sound with Dave Cobb at Waylon Jenning's old studio.

"Seven Nation Army" is a revelation. The guys sound like they were meant to sing this song...and it being chosen as the first single is absolutely right. This choice of a modern song by an aging country act invites inevitable comparison to Johnny Cash who selected a Nine Inch Nails song for his studio album "The Man Comes Around." In both cases, tackling a contemporary song provides wind for the artists sails...and the results are fantastic. I've no doubt that other critics will accuse the Oaks of "missing the point of the song" or some other such nonsense...the fact is the group identified with the song and made it their own.

Several tracks on the album evoke more traditional themes for the Oak Ridge Boys. Down home vibe abounds in "Mama's Table," "Live With Jesus," "God's Gonna Ease My Troublin' Mind," and "Hold Me Closely." Not surprisingly, these are among the album's best.

It is a bit uneven...but it is as compelling a comeback effort by a country act as I have ever heard. Go on out and buy this 'un y'hear!

"The Boys are Back" 3 1/2 out of 5 stars