I Feel Alright
A little bit country, a little bit rock & roll, Steve Earle has bounced between those extremes for years, producing great albums of nearly-straight country and totally-hard rock. OnI Feel Alright, though, Earle finally finds a way to blend the styles seamlessly. Whether begging for a forgiveness he probably doesn't deserve on the deceptively sweet "Valentine's Day," or steadfastly refusing even the idea of forgiveness on the Stonesy "Unrepentant," Earle rocks and twangs in equal measure--and never more thrillingly than on "You're Still Standing There," his grateful duet with Lucinda Williams. Earle's best work, at least so far.--David Cantwell