"Tribute Albums" can be a tricky thing with even the most iconic of bands but when you add in unique harmonies like Alabama had through each of their albums, creating those harmonies can be hard to duplicate so it's pretty awesome to hear that not only do most of the nine guests artists include Alabama but they don't veer too far from the originals, though some productions are different enough.
For example Rascal Flatts' version of "Old Flame" finds the six men blending great vocally while Luke Bryan's "Love In The First Degree" finds Alabama supporting the superstar. Jason Aldean's "Tennessee River" is lovingly performed while Toby Keith takes "She and I" and makes it feel as classic as both Alabama and Keith's own catalog of hits are. Kenny Chesney's "Lady Down On Love" is a special performance and showcases how strong Chesney is as a tractional-leaning vocalist (this one's more traditional than most of Alabama's records were). Youngsters like Eli Young Band and Florida Georgia Line are featured on the record and both bring more of what these groups are known for. EYB brings a little Texas Country/Rock to "The Closer You Get" while Florida Georgia Line's "I'm In A Hurry (And Don't Know Why)" is the lone time on this album where Alabama doesn't provide harmony vocals. Both main members take turns vocally on the track (Tyler Hubbard sings most of the duo's lead vocals) while Wes Hightower provides enough harmony to the sparkling version of Alabama's hit and it's one that could be a big hit on the radio today, if it were released as a single by the most-popular duo in Country music.
Trisha Yearwood's beautiful take of "Forever's As Far As I'll Go" deserves mention because it's beautiful, restrained and, well, it's always a treat to hear new stuff from Trisha Yearwood. Alabama's own new songs "That's How I Was Raised" (their first new stuff in over a decade) showcases Randy Owen to be in fine voice. The song (written by Trent Tomlinson, Tony Ramey, Skip Sasser and Charley Stefl) may not be enough to be a current hit, the same thing that could be said about "All American" but both songs are still very good songs. Of the two, "All American" feels more radio-ready and the thought-provoking song (written by Trey Bruce) certainly deserves to be heard. Jamey Johnson's loving take of "My Home's In Alabama" (it's the first song he learned to play and sing on guitar) rounds out the album.
This record feels like it could be the first in a series of tribute albums for Alabama (perhaps they could do future ones and give the proceeds to St. Jude Children's Hospital) and that ultimately means to me that Alabama And Friends is a winning collection of 11 songs and worth listening to as a whole complete album.
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