music

Pat Green

What I'm For

Since making the move from independent Texas artist to major-label Nashville star, Pat Green’s albums have struck a sometimes-uneasy balance between his singer/songwriter roots and his love for a good old-fashioned hit. What I’m For reconciles that conflict in part by keeping Pat’s two sides separate—the title cut is all Music Row radio-friendly hooks, while the self-penned “In This World” is as intimate and deeply felt as the rawest Americana. But on tracks like the thumping opener, “Footsteps of Our Fathers,” Pat stakes out sincerely personal lyrical ground while taking advantage of the power in Dann Huff’s typically muscular production.

• February 9, 2009
• by Chris Neal