Faith in You
Whether you view Steve Wariner as a faceless purveyor of easy-listening country-pop, or as a stylish guitarist who occasionally breaks out of the pack with hot solos and jazzy scat vocals, his albums can always be counted on for a quiet elegance. UnlikeVince Gill, with whom he shares a nice-guy persona and a penchant for midtempo love songs, Wariner never reaches down into his soul for a killer ballad born of searing pain, and his sentimental songs of lonely losers ("Waiting in the Wings") are apt to squeeze into a sermon. That said,Faith in Youhas a feel-good vibe and life-affirming spirit to balance its slickness, and the warm-voiced singer holds his own nicely on rhythmic duets withGarth Brooks("Katie Wants a Fast One") andClint Black("Been There"). Bottom line: If you're looking for something pleasant and well crafted, Steve's your guy. If it's excitement you need, better mosey on.--Alanna Nash