Dangerous Man

In his 10th year as a recording artist, Trace Adkins follows up his nearly Double- Platinumr album Songs About Me with his eighth Capitol release, Dangerous Man. Suitably titled, Dangerous Man is more than a nod to Trace's stature and baritone voice; it's a continuation of his recent prowess at country radio and success on the sales chart. His streak of 3 consecutive Platinumr albums, 2 Top-10's and a Top-15 single further prove that Trace Adkins is in fact a Dangerous Man. The first single Swing, a symbolic anthem of love and baseball, made its grand slam debut on MLB.com. This summer and leading up to the album release, Swing single and video promotions will be featured at Major and Minor League

After a decade of recording, the no-nonsense, deep-voiced Adkins has blossomed recently with riproaring, crowd-pleasing fare like "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Similar material turns up this time in the form of "Swing" (will it be Major League Baseball's answer to Hank Williams Jr.'s "All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight"?) and the sing-along anthems "Ladies Love Country Boys" and "Fightin' Words." Beyond that, Adkins's honest, emotive blue-collar substance emerges on the thoughtful small-town chronicle "I Came Here to Live" and the sensual, contrite "Words Get in the Way." He similarly excels with "Ride," a hard-edged trucker tune; the anti-drug cautionary "High"; and "The Stubborn One," a poignant tale of the lifelong bond between a young man and his dying grandfather. In this day and age, it's a no-brainer that Adkins has to give the masses (and radio) the kinds of anthems they want. But unlike some artists, capable of doing that and not much more, his ability to project honesty, heart, and empathy is undeniable. --Rich Kienzle