Clint Black

Clint Black got tired of hassling with his label a few years ago and started his own logo. This is his second outing for his own outfit (not counting last year’s Christmas album), and being his own boss obviously agrees with him. The title track has the sound of a classic, a drinkin’ song with lyrics built on quotes from other drinkin’ songs and a catchy melody delivered with high-spirited, boozy authority. “Longnecks and Rednecks” is another feel-good salute to oblivion, while “Heartaches” deals at least implicitly with the pain that drives a man to drink. “Rainbow in the Rain” is the kind of breakup song that Black’s so good at, lamenting the end of love without pointing an accusing finger at his ex. And “Undercover Cowboy” is a loping ballad that celebrates the joys of promiscuity with a playful wink and nudge. Musically, Drinkin’ Songs shows that Black still manages to balance country and rock without dishonoring either tradition.