Nearly a decade ago, Garth Brooks's ability to incorporate '70s pop material and arena rock into his act made history (and controversy) as he propelled country to its pinnacle of success. One fact remains in 2001. When he simply rears back and sings (in the spirit of longtime pal Chris LeDoux), the results are often fresh and natural. That's the case on the Beatle-esque "Wrapped Up in You," "Thicker Than Blood," and the trite but catchy blue-collar bopper "Big Money." Alas, that slicker, more calculated material is never far away. Awash in melodrama, "The Storm" (a bathos-ridden variant on "The Thunder Rolls"), "Mr. Midnight," and "Pushing Up Daisies" each run four-plus minutes and seem longer. The hyperactive bluegrass romp "Don't Cross the River" seems less homage than a nod to the successful O Brother soundtrack. While duets with George Jones and Trisha Yearwood have merit, one wonders who really needs who. All this might have been cutting edge in 1992. Now it simply seems long in the tooth. --Rich Kienzle