Aaron Lewis "Town Line"

From the subtle southern easter eggs found in his band’s 2008 album to his 2011 solo EP, we knew this country boy was ready to meet us at the Town Line. If the first single from his aforementioned EP, title alone, did not clue you in, then you must be confused. Jarring as well, considering his last recording project was Staind’s eponymous album; which happened to be their heaviest in over a decade. Anyways, his debut solo album proves he has what it takes with a style that reveals different moods, tones, and even different generations of the genre itself; all within the first three tracks! My favorite of the three happens to be “The Road,” but I am not entirely against the prospect of an “Endless Summer,” with all that positive energy and a Kenny Chesney vibe. Like the preceding track, he keeps this one all in the family with stories of several generations of the Lewis fam and their allegiance to the “Red, White, and Blue.” These may not be new “Lessons Learned,” but it is always important to remember to stay in the left lane for a change, or take a detour by a field and take it all in; because we’re not going to live “Forever.” A family heirloom often has more value sentimentally than economically, but “Granddaddy’s Gun” is “…worth a lot of money/And it d*** sure ain't for sale.” The fact that the chamber holds much more than bullets is another reason to keep it, but how do you fit memories in something so small? There still is variety throughout the rest of the record, and when crossing “Town Lines” you can hear two different accents between them. We all know the feeling, and sometimes say to ourselves “If only I was ‘Anywhere But Here’…” Some might even prefer a “Party in H*ll.” You may have a great time, but it is very likely to feel guilty, and you can have that same experience without descending into the underworld. Jamey Johnson even makes an appearance, in spirit, or name at least. My Favorites: The Road, Endless Summer; Red, White and Blue,  and Granddaddy’s Gun.