Travis Tritt is having a personality crisis.

His thoughts may be in the world of country, but he wears the locks of a rocker, and has the heart of a bluesman. On his 1992 release T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Tritt explores all three areas, and shows he's quite capable in any genre.

Tritt had a hit with the title track, which has a little more of a rock flavor to it somewhat akin to the Allman Brothers Band. The driving melody with Tritt's vocals makes this song one you won't forget anytime soon. Tritt also adds a rock flavor to "Looking Out For Number One."

In one sense, it would have been interesting to hear how Tritt developed as a country rocker, but - alas - his main focus remains country. You need proof? Check out the song "Lord Have Mercy On The Working Man," which features an ending chorus that is the "We Are The World" of country. We have: Tanya Tucker, Brooks & Dunn, George Jones, Porter Wagoner, and Little Texas as a good portion of the closing chorus of voices.

Tritt focuses more often on the country ballad, which seems to be a natural for him. "Can I Trust You With My Heart" is a beautiful love song which Tritt croons sweetly, while "I Wish I Could Go Back Home" stands out as one of the best on the album.

But T-R-O-U-B-L-E features one special appearance: Lynyrd Skynyrd's own Gary Rossington, who co-wrote and appears on "Blue Collar Man." One little problem - I tend to rate this one against Skynyrd's best, and this one doesn't quite stand up to that standard. Unfortunately, this isn't Tritt's fault.

Okay, that's two out of three genres that Tritt covers. The third - blues - is the best work on this album. His cover of Buddy Guy's "Leave My Girl Alone" is amazing, topping even Stevie Ray Vaughan's version. If there was any vein that I would like to see Tritt continue to grow in, this would be it, 'cause he is a natural.

In some ways, it's hard to rate T-R-O-U-B-L-E due to its numerous musical styles in the guise of country music. It's hard to rate due to the brevity of some of the songs. But overall, this is a very good effort from a young, rising star in the country field.

Rating: B

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments