Sevens
Garth's best album in years is also--no coincidence-- his most country record since his debut. The opening "Longneck Bottle," in fact, may be the most country single he's ever recorded, a swingy ode to the temptations of tall cold ones, all to the soundtrack of a steel guitar. Nothing else here is as strong, but the pathetic characters in weepers like "She's Gonna Make It" and "I Don't Have to Wonder" come plenty close. Moreover, "Belleau Woods," a lovely Christmas ballad with a World War II setting, puts Garth's patented earnestness to good use.--David Cantwell