Big Dreams and High Hopes

By Adam Simon - March 5th 2010 2:25 pm

Just in time for his first Australian tour, CountryHQ thought it would be a good time to take another listen to the latest album from Jack Ingram, Big Dreams and High Hopes, a great album that successfully merges his Texas bar blazing past with the more mainstream country rock that he has been producing in recent years.

Having spent fifteen years playing across the USA and learning his licks on the famous Texas live music circuit, Jack Ingram's music has now evolved into something which has not been seen for a while, especially in Nashville. On this new album, he showcases his history in these places and the craft that he has learned so well, especially on songs like the two lead singles, "Barefoot and Crazy" and "That's A Man.".

One of then feelings that the listener will get on this album compared to his last album is that Jack Ingram is now much more in control of the music he makes and has the final say into what the album feels and sounds like. His re-record of "Barbie Doll", with special guest Dierks Bentley, showcases his eagerness to work with his earlier material and adapt it to the Nashville format.

The tender ballad Seeing Stars, featuring the sublime Patty Griffin, reminds us of Jack as the great songwriter (the song is co-written by Chris Thompkins) with massive hit potential, as did earlier songs from him like "Goodnight Moon", which has become a key song of his sensational live show. If radio picks this up, then it may be another #1 hit for the man from The Woodlands, TX.

The standout track on this album is hard to pick, but a strong contender must be the the title track, co-written with Gary Burr. This anthem of hope and aspirations establishes the theme for not only the album, but also for the next phase of Jack Ingram's career, as he moves past the critics who misunderstood his evolution from independent Texas troubadour to mainstream country star. As a songwriter, Jack is still the same lyricist who penned so many great songs on earlier albums like Electric and Hey You.

Fans of Jack Ingram over the last 5 years will welcome this release and those fans who may have lost track of his music over the last few years should definitely return to this amazing singer songwriter, as he continues his journey, not only on great albums like "Big Dreams and High Hopes", but also when the man hits the stage live, which is an experience not to be missed.

Posted in: Reviews | Artist: Jack Ingram | Subscribe

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