Since he announced himself to the world with the release of his debut album back in 1986 Dwight Yoakam has remained one of the most vital exponents of hi-octane hillbilly music.
His new record, his 18th, straddles the divide between rock and hardcore country. Eager and energetic, it marks a fresh phase for Yoakam’s music.
This is the singer's first stab at producing himself, following the end of his recording partnership with guitarist Pete Anderson. It is also his inagural foray on the rising indie label New West.
Yoakam understands the roots of country and its symbiotic relationship with rock. He understands that The Beatles knew Bakersfield, that the Stones knew honky-tonk and that Hank Williams Snr. had a direct link to the truth and energy of punk.
While all of these influences have helped shape his own music, Yoakam has a unique, immediately identifiable voice.
From the opening twang of the title-track it's obvious that he means business. The song takes the very human trait of blaming everyone but yourself for your problems.
Elsewhere he gives 'Three Good Reasons' some rockabilly swagger and returns to the Bakersfield turf of his friend and mentor Buck Owens on 'I Wanna Love Again'.
The result is a body of music that is undoubtedly his own, and richly steeped in country values.
His skills as an actor (Yoakam has an impressive list of screen credits) allows him to add tongue-in-cheek drama. This can be seen on the spoken-word ending of 'International Heartache' as well as the somewhat bizarre English-accented tirade at the start of 'She’ll Remember'.
The entire record proffers a reckless and revitalised energy that has many pronouncing it his best in years . Anyone seeking to reconnect with or discover the essence of what country music should be is advised to investigate.