No Fences
No Fencescaptures Garth Brooks just after his initial success yet before superstardom. Though it includes "The Thunder Rolls," another of the pop-country power ballads he'd introduced with "The Dance,"No Fencesbounces mainly between impersonations--often catchy and engaging ones, but impersonations nonetheless. "Wild Horses" is straight-up George Strait, while "Two of a Kind" and "Friends in Low Places" are John Anderson and Hank Jr. respectively. The best moment, the Dan Fogleberg-like "Unanswered Prayers," relays a message either highly spiritual or hugely rationalized. Regardless, it succeeds because its delivery is earnest, sweet, and humble--something Garth wouldn't be for long.--David Cantwell