This review originally appeared in the February 24-March 9, 1995 issue of "The Country Road Gazette" located in Milford, Pennsylvania. Republished in Entertainment Magazine On-Line (EMOL), June 1995
CD/MUSIC REVIEW OF BROOKS AND DUNN'S WAITIN' ON SUNDOWN
(Arista Records, 1994)
by: Sandra L. Toney
Ever since country music duo, Brooks and Dunn, boot-scooted their way into our hearts in 1991, our love affair with these two hunky singers has only increased. On their third album, Waitin' on Sundown, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn remain true to their unique style of country music. The result? Another smash release to add to their previous hit albums, Brand New Man (Arista, 1991), and Hard Workin' Man (Arista, 1993).
The single from their first album, Brand New Man, that brought them into the spotlight was the danceclub hit, "Boot Scootin' Boogie" (written by Ronnie Dunn). This song literally made the duo's first album so unforgettable that a clubmix version of that same song was included on their second album, Hard Workin' Man. When a song of this magnitude and popularity exists for an artist or group, the effort to "top" that single sometimes drags down any future attempts.
However, Waitin' on Sundown doesn't have that problem. The types of tunes contained on this album are consistent with Brooks and Dunn's smooth honky tonk style. If you would look for an "equal" to "Boot Scootin' Boogie" on this release, you wouldn't find it. And, it's evident the duo didn't try to "outdo" themselves. "Little Miss Honky Tonk" (penned once again by the talented Dunn) is classic Brooks and Dunn. As they sing, "I'm her big cat daddy, she's my little Miss Honky Tonk," you somehow just know this popular duo is here to stay.
"She's Not the Cheatin' Kind" (again, written by Dunn), the first single released off the album, tells the sad story of a woman who's been cheated on and is out for revenge: "She's dressed to kill in a dress he bought her/She wouldn't care if he walked in and caught her/She's come to dance a dance or two/And do no tellin' what by the time the night is through." The lyrics are easy to identify with, as anyone who's been wronged by a mate will tell you, and Brooks and Dunn relay the story better than anyone.
In addition to "Little Miss Honky Tonk," Waitin' on Sundown exhibits quite a few upbeat songs that could easily climb the charts. Tunes such as "She's the Kind of Trouble," "My Kind of Crazy," and "Whiskey Under the Bridge" all have remarkable possibilities of rising to that elusive number one spot on the competitive charts of country music.
Whether you already are a Brooks and Dunn fan or if this is the first you've heard of them, go out and buy this album. Every song on this release (with the exception of "Silver and Gold" written by Michael Lunn and Michael Noble) are either written or co-written by one or both of these talented singers/songwriters. In fact, the reason these men were originally brought together by Arista Records were for their songwriting abilities. Who knew that, together, their harmonious voices would charm the world of country music and earn them a mantle full of awards? Well, everyone certainly knows it now . . .
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