The Opry's Newest Member

When I first heard Brad Paisley in 1999, I knew he was going to be around for a while. I just didn't know how long. Well, with him joining the Grand Old Opry, Brad is here for a long time. Since Who Needs Pictures was released, Brad has seen his CD sell over 500,000 copies, had two number one singles (He Didn't Have To Be, and We Danced, ) and two other singles, Me Neither, and Who Needs Pictures. Along with the above accolades, Brad also garnered awards and nominations from the Grammys, ACMs, CMAs and the TNN/Country Weekly Awards.
Except for In The Garden, Brad wrote all the tracks and plays a mean guitar too. Along with Brad's guitar playing, he uses a core band and producer that haven't been on many other records, other than drummer Eddie Bayers. This was Frank Rogers' first CD that he produced.
Below are some thoughts about each track

1.Long Sermon - With the humor of being in church on a hot Sunday,"there ain't nothin' that'll test your faith like a long sermon on a pretty Sunday." says it all

2. Me Neither - the only single released from the CD that wasn't a ballad, It is a humorous take about meeting someone and not clicking.

3. Who Needs Pictures - A poignant take on a relationship that's over. "who needs pictures with a memory like mine."

4. Don't Breathe - another look at not getting over a relationship, albeit a more humorous take "it's like saying don't breathe, don't blink, don't eat... our love's just one of those things that I've gotten used to doin' way too long."

5. He Didn't Have To Be - Award winning song that has hit the hearts of divorcees and children of divorce, including me. It's a tale that is truely inspiring. the Chorus: "And then all of a sudden it seemed so strange to me. how we went from something's missing to a family. looking back all I can say about all the things he did for me. is I hope I can be at least half the man that he didn't have to be."

6. It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway - Fun mid tempo gem, is humorous about the extremes a guy goes to keeping a girl from having successful relationships.

7. Holdin' On To You - Ballad that beautifully explains the relationship between two people in love.

8. I've Been Better - Buffett style song. He realizes that he has everytihng but the woman he loves.

9. We Danced - Brad's second number one and probable final release from this CD, It is a wonderfully written ballad about the relationship that blossoms from a chance meeting between a bar owner and a patron to a wedding.

10. Sleepin' on the foldout - Hilarious humor. A song that every guy has been through. just one listen to it and everyone will be laughing about the truth in his lyrics.

11. Cloud Of Dust - Nice song that talks about a farmer that has lost the farm, but continues to act as nothing has happened because he has ever done anything else in his life.

12. The Nervous Breakdown - Wonderful Instrumental. Showcases Brad's guitar playing.

13. in the garden - Not often does a record label let an artist record a gospel song on their debut. Brad does a wonderful job with this classic Hymn.