Copyright ©2010. The Associated Press. Produced by NewsOK.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

CD review: Gary Allan 'Set You Free'

• email

Allan puts a bleakly surreal spin on the island country trend with the wallowing “Sand in My Soul,” and he harmonizes beautifully with co-writer Rachel Proctor on the heartbreaker “You Without Me,” about seeing his one-time lover with a new man. The old-school country of “Hungover Heart” contrasts intriguingly with the reggae groove of “No Worries,” which effectively sets up the album's big finish.

Acceptance is the theme of the uptempo anthem “Pieces,” as his character acknowledges the mistakes made and lessons learned along the way. Finally, the lust of the sultry jazz-inflected come-on “Drop” proves to be true love that makes him “Good as New” on the fervent ballad that closes the album, the all-around strongest to date of Allan's career.

— Brandy McDonnell

---