Brad Paisley's "River Bank" Reviewed
Our Bro Brad
What’s the modern palliative for religious ecstasy or at least bro country? If we can’t have what we have coming to us, let’s be happy with what we have? The reward is in the diminished expectations that leads to joy.
So says Brad Paisley, the antidote to Bro Country he mocks with a sure panache at work on this song which flashes a light on money as Brad and his gal win ten bucks on the lottery, buy a scratch and win ten bucks, a six back and ice later they’re on the river bank, day dreaming about winning big but hey, who needs a million (ha!) dollar yacht when you’ve got a trailer and an inner tube.
A nice twangy guitar and a catchy melody with a wholehearted spiritedness, “even if out ship comes in and this is all we got…” maybe too much like putting up with everything you don’t, but Brad has always had a twinkle in his eyes, even if “Accidental Racist” apparently made him one whether he would or not.
Better than anything on his last coupla albums, diminished returns mean something and envy of the rich is no way to live your life even if Paisley is absolutely one of the eternal them. Even as it sets a smirk and a smile at the entire country scene it reminds that what Paisley can do that Luke Bryant for one can’t is write catchy, original country songs and if Brad will never have the freshness of “Who Needs Pictures” or “Long Sermon” any more, he never phone sit in.
Grade: B+
