Kevin Fowler

Bring It On (EMG)

What hath Toby Keith wrought? Once again, an entire generation of popular Texas country artists – this one reared in the respectable tradition of Robert Earl Keen – has been lured by big Nashville budgets, with their music paying the price. Kevin Fowler’s fifth studio affair plants the local “100% Texan” firmly on Music Row, the results of which sound like corporate radio tripe that’s hopefully soon forgotten. “Throw your hands up in the air, shake it don’t break like you just don’t care,” blares anthemic party soundtrack “Feels Good Don’t It,” matched only by the absurd “Cheaper to Keep Her” and aptly titled “What’s Your Point?” Even George Jones lowers himself to guest on “Me and the Boys,” while Fowler continues to name-check outlaws throughout in completely unironic boilerplate. This is everything wrong with modern country music: All balls and beer with no brains or heart.

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This article appears in September 28 • 2007.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.