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