Review of Garth Brooks : No Fences
No Fences captures 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 Fences bounces 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 Track Listings 1. The Thunder Rolls 2. New Way to Fly 3. Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House 4. Victim of the Game 5. Friends in Low Places 6. This Ain't Tennessee 7. Wild Horses 8. Unanswered Prayers 9. Same Old Story 10. Mr. Blue 11. Wolves

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Your latest reviews - Garth Brooks : "You know a dream is like a river."
"Ropin' the Wind" was Garth Brook's third record, after "Garth Brooks" and "No Fences" made him a superstar. The album debuted on the pop charts at #1: the first time for a country artist. It would go on to sell a staggering 14 million copies in the U.S. alone - only 25 records have ever sold more, including Garth's own "No Fences" (16 million) and "Double Live" (15 million).

Garth pulled five hits from "Ropin' the Wind," starting with the ramped up "Rodeo." The single did fairly well, peaking at #3 on the country chart, although it ended Garth's string of five #1 songs. Up next was the pop-rock `Shameless" - a remake of a Billy Joel song from "Storm Front." The song hit #1 for two weeks and became a fan favorite at Garth's concerts. The third single was the biggest - the rich and smooth ballad "What She's Doing Now" (#1 for 3 weeks). Garth's voice has never sounded better than it does here. The most countrified song was released next: the playful "Papa Loved Mama" (#3). It was one of my favorites at the time, although it sounds a bit forced now.

The final single was "The River" (#1 for 1 week). The song perfectly encapsulated Garth's gradual turn from traditional country to the more adult contemporary sound in which he would subsequently specialize. The song would fit nicely on any James Taylor CD, or maybe even something by Dan Fogelberg. It's not a bad song, but it's rather tame and feels like 80s pop. Although the CD is glossier than his prior releases, it's top-notch all the way - it WAS country music at the time. I have all of Garth's CDs; "Ropin' the Wind" is his last CD with a more a more traditional country feel and not coincidentally also his last release that really enthralled me.