Simon RushworthBrooks & Dunn – Reboot (Sony Nashville UK)
Back at the top of the charts. Back at the top of their game. Back doing what they do best.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have written more bona fide country anthems than Donald Trump has made political faux pas and this reassuringly classy collection offers a timely reminder of the duo’s infectious talent.
Of course foot-stomping classics like Hard Workin’ Man, Boot Scootin’ Boogie and My Next Broken Heart were crazily good first time around. Rebooted and reworked – with special guests aplenty – these B&D favourites sound simply fantastic.
Take the on-trend collaboration with Midland on Boot Scootin’ Boogie. Two of the finest exponents of their craft join three of the most exciting new talents on the planet to breathe new life into an old favourite. It’s a country match made in heaven and little wonder Jimmy Fallon was falling over himself to book the ‘band’ earlier this month.
Kacey Musgraves gets a co-production credit on Neon Moon and the new queen of country has never sounded better. Elsewhere Lanco threaten to steal the show on a typically upbeat rendition of Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing. And Luke Combs shows no sign of nerves as he kicks things off with a bullish version of Brand New Man.
Dann Huff’s astute production ensures enough of the original vibe is allowed to underpin each carefully reworked song but make no mistake – these are less lazy covers and more vivid reinventions.
Brothers Osborne grab a piece of the action on Hard Workin’ Man and it’s impossible to imagine a better pick for the ever-diligent siblings. Like so many of the top notch artists here, they make an instantly recognisable song their own.
Reboot is a well-judged and perfectly delivered collection of genre-defining compositions that never sound dated. But even if they did then country’s new breed have dusted them down and added some sheen – ensuring a proud legacy will live on and live large.
