Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw (CD, Aug-2004, Curb Records USA)

Even though Tim had a hit single that spoke negatively about putting pop music into country (while at the same time having a hit single with hip-hop rapper Nelly), Tim is decidedly pop-country. Some people whine and complain about this to no end. Why? If there can be all different kinds of rock (i.e. classic, alternative, hard, grunge, Indie) why can't there be different kinds of country. If everyone sounded like Alan Jackson, they'd complain about that too. Tim's a talented singer and this is a great album. It's one of his best and I own all of 'em.

I knew when I first heard this album that there were going to be several mainstream country hits. But I think some of my favorite songs will never make it to radio. For instance, "Something's Broken" a love gone wrong song with a clever hook at the end, and "Old Town New" another love gone wrong song. My take on it is a guy wishes he could change the same ol' same ol' about his home town because everything reminds him of her.

The whole album isn't just country love songs, though. The track "Kill Myself" is about a person who wants to change his life and all his horrible ways and the only way he can do that is to kill his old self. And I fully enjoyed Tim's version of "Can't Tell Me Nothin'" which was also recorded by Nashville Star Brad Cotter. You'll have to buy the album and listen for yourself to find more good'uns.