Granger Smith — ‘Remington’

Label: WHEFW

If you’re looking for a new CD to keep in your truck, car, or tricked out tractor, this is the one that will make any trip a whole lot more enjoyable. Granger Smith knows how to deliver a cliché; he does so with a wink and a nod and makes it clear that it’s all in good fun. The Southern inflection stays with him, whether he’s singing a hyper-patriotic anthem like “Merica,” or an introspective tune like “Around the Sun.” Clearly he is heir to the genial-yet-heartfelt space that Brad Paisley has occupied for far too long. Granger Smith is an authentic country boy who could easily co-host the CMA Awards in a few year, if he keeps up the compelling persona he is creating.

Which all depends, of course, on the material that he chooses. The collection of tracks in ‘Remington’ show that he can go in any of the many directions that is splintering country music these days. The songs also show that Mr. Smith is intelligent enough to know that he (and his Earl Dibbles alter ego character) can (and should) try to do it all.

Essential Downloads: “Backroad Song,” “Tonight,” “Likin’ Love Songs,” “5 More Minutes,” “City Boy Stuck.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.