As far as Take It To The Bank goes, it’s a remarkably good collection of music that is centered around his debut single for the label from 2009, “Til A Woman Comes Along.” The song is as vibrant now as it was then and it could probably be a radio hit now, it it were released again. (Especially since he’s more of a known commodity thanks to the Top 40 hit “Better I Don’t.”) The title track shows off his strong songwriting skill as does “Back To Me,” a song written with Cole Degges. Janson’s voice is able to hit lower bass notes and range into higher tenor parts in other times, something he showcases on “Back To Me.” There’s a strong country-rock element to the tunes here and while that may have been toned down a little bit in his newest music, it’s a side to Janson that often comes out when performing material live. The EP closes with a rip-roaring’ cover of Rodney Crowell’s roadhouse country classic “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This,” a song that still is vibrant today as it was when written over 36 years ago and allows the musician to showcase his harmonica skill (which is as good as any guitar player solo and reminds me of the late great Terry McMillan).
If one wants to know the musical evolution of Chris Janson, Take It To The Bank is an essential part of that journey and something his fans should be thankful to have available to buy and add to their collections.
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