It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.



This one literally grabs your attention right out of the gate with Play Something Country and won't let go until the very last note of the very last song Again, which by the way is another great track.

Hillbilly Deluxe has a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly superb musicians. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

I'm of the opinion that Hillbilly Deluxe is certainly some of this groups best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it's a collection that even the casual Country fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 - Play Something Country, track 2 - She's About As Lonely As I'm Going To Let Her Get, and track 12 - She Like To Get Out Of Town

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7 - Just Another Neon Night. This is a great track!

Hillbilly Deluxe Release Notes:

Brooks & Dunn originally released Hillbilly Deluxe on Aug 30, 2005 on the Arista Nashville label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Play Something Country 2. She's About As Lonely As I'm Going To Let Her Get 3. My Heart's Not A Hotel 4. Whiskey Do My Talkin' 5. Hillbilly Deluxe 6. One More Roll Of The Dice 7. Just Another Neon Night 8. Believe 9. Building Bridges 10. Her West Was Wilder 11. I May Get Over You 12. She Likes To Get Out Of Town 13. Again

Brooks & Dunn: Kix Brooks (vocals, harmonica); Ronnie Dunn (vocals).

Additional personnel include: Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar, banjo); Kenny Greenberg (electric guitar, National guitar); J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore (steel guitar); Stuart Duncan (mandolin); Hank Singer (fiddle); Glenn Worf, Michael Rhodes (bass guitar); Eddie Bayers Jr. (drums); Eric Darken (percussion).