Speaking about “Famous Back Home,” the man himself said: “It finally caught up to my personality, who I am.”
Which means he won’t give the remotest toss what I think of it – nor should he.
But it also means that, on the evidence of these songs, Russell Dickerson is the most contented, chilled man on earth.
“Dust” sets the tone: gentle, pop-flavoured but very country.
“Famous Back Home” is the first time there have been songs on one of Dickerson’s albums that he hasn’t written. One of these, “Sippin’ On Top Of The World,” is a blue-collar anthem to weekends and perhaps the most guitar-oriented cut here.
“Happen To Me” finds the vibe of the record – huge, chart-bending and supremely well done. The 80s references are reflected in the sound too, particularly on “Worth Your Wild.”
But more than anything, this is a man steeped in the sound he loves. “Heard It In A Country Song” makes that clear.
This is one of the calmest records you’ll ever hear. “Sunrise In My Silverado” is so serene you can’t imagine anything bad ever happening in the world as it laps against you like a warm summer afternoon.
Likewise, “For A Truck” – which in old money opens Side 2 – finds him falling for a woman he loves more than his dreams of a truck. As I have neither, I can’t empathise.
“Love That I Love You” is probably going to be the first dance at loads of weddings across middle America and beyond, but credit is due – it never feels schmaltzy.
The other song he didn’t write finds Vince Gill offering a plea for another chance on the stripped-down beauty that is “Never Leave.”
If that suits the album, then it doesn’t matter what else this record does – because it does it so well. “Bones” and its stoicism build beautifully.
“16 Me” looks back on the past and on the ageing process with customary happiness.
The record deserves its deeply personal finish, and the title track wraps it up with a bow.
He might be a megastar – and he really is – but all that matters is family, and you’d best believe that’s where his heart is.
As such, given he’s got everything he wants and will ever need, it’s kind of pointless giving this a mark out of ten. But it’s what we do, so…
Rating: 8/10
