Electric
Where the new generation of Texas roadhouse troubadours more often carries the torch passed fromJerry Jeff WalkerandRobert Earl Keen, the harder-edged and more introspective Jack Ingram shows the strong influence ofSteve Earle(who produced an earlier Ingram album). Those who miss the boyish Earle ofGuitar Townwill hear echoes in the opening anthem, "Keep On Keepin' On," and the closing lullaby, "Goodnight Moon." In between, Ingram puts his brand on a wide range of material, from the propulsive uplift of "One Thing" (which sounds like a signature hit in the making) to the two-stepping twang of "Everybody" to the gospel revivalism of "Pete, Jesus and Me." "One Lie Away" bears the imprint of Ingram's cowriter,Jim Lauderdale, while coproducers Frank Liddell and Mike McCarthy push the sonic envelope throughout, bringing a contemporary sheen to Ingram's rootsy dynamic. Though Ingram has long been a favorite with Texas collegians, this should broaden his audience among both mainstream and alternative country fans.--Don McLeese