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The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Turner keeps it casual on latest CD

Despite its catchiness, the title of Josh Turner’s latest album, Haywire, may be a bit of an exaggeration. Turner’s songs are pretty casual, composed of all those sweet and simple things that are so often apparent as a theme of country music.

The main track, “Haywire,” is about as crazy as the album ever gets, and that isn’t saying much. His music ultimately fails to set itself apart from that general mainstream idea of radio country music. With their quick pace and bluegrass undertones, his songs are no doubt fun to listen to and well put together, instrumentally speaking. The 11 featured songs more or less fall into one of two categories: Fast ‘n’ Fun and Slow ‘n’ Sexy.

The five songs Turner wrote or co-wrote are enjoyable, easygoing and like church music, simplistically melodic enough to pick up a tune within the first few lines. More often than not, these songs revolve around a sunny day and a good-looking girl — who could ask for more?

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Take, for example, the song “Friday Paycheck,” in which Turner describes the anticipation of getting paid at the end of the week and taking his girl out for a movie and chili-cheese dogs. It’s a chill life.

Turner’s writing style is very straight forward, as can be seen in “Eye Candy,” “When the good Lord made that little looker/ He must’ve used a whole lotta sugar.” This tendency toward adorable metaphors can be heard across the album, such as when Turner compares your smile to “butter beans and cherry pie.” Not necessarily the most flattering of compliments, but there is truly something to be said in favor of simplicity. Although silly on the surface, we all seem to know exactly what Turner is talking about when he says things like “She’s hotter than fire/ She’s got me going haywire.”

The other songs on the album fall into the category of love ballads, more serious and sensual in nature. Turner’s romantic tunes tend to be slower and less distinct. Listeners may find themselves getting lost in the lull of the music. Nevertheless, they are soulful pieces. Although the majority of Turner’s music focuses on romance, “I’ll Be There” is a ballad about a father’s love for and dedication to his child, while the album’s final track, “The Answer,” is a devout outpouring of love to God, epically backed by a choir and organ.

One of the nice things about Haywire is its instrumentals. Turner’s sound, of course, includes the expected guitar and fiddle, hence the bluegrass feel, but there is also the occasional and unexpected presence of piano music, which adds a certain flare. All of these elements are responsible for the easy-going mood of Haywire.

When listening to the album, one might suddenly have the urge to drive down the expressway with the sunroof open or throw a backyard barbecue. While not particularly awe-striking, fans can expect to hear the same laid back and comfortable songs of Turner’s 2001 debut album, Long Black Train.

3 stars out of 5.

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