Montgomery Gentry – 鈥楻ebels on the Run’
The seventh studio album by country music duo Montgomery Gentry carries a classic country-rock sound that Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry symbolize. Montgomery and Gentry left their longtime record label to join Average Joe’s Entertainment. After releasing “Rebels on the Run,” it looks as though this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship.
Producer Michael Knox, who performed musical magic with Jason Aldean, was brought in to recapture the duo’s successful honky-tonk sound from earlier releases like “Tattoos & Scars” from 1999 and 2001’s “Carrying On.”
The end result is a fresh, genuine and gutsy sound that focuses on the triumphs and struggles of America’s average Joe.
The first single, “Where I Come From,” follows the theme of 2002’s “My Town” as the boys sing about their affection for growing up in a small town much like John Mellencamp. The infectious “I Like Those People” gets some assistance from Charlie Daniels and Alabama’s Randy Owen.
Ironically, it was Daniels who joined the duo on “All Night Long” for the group’s debut release.
Rousing party favorites “Ain’t No Law Against That” and “Work Hard, Play Harder” sport a back-to-basics formula that suits the boys like a well-worn pair of boots.
A softer side is displayed on the ballads “Missing You” and the powerful “Empty,” which takes on an even more emotional punch in light of Montgomery’s recent divorce.
There’s no doubt that both Montgomery and Gentry have been battle-tested over the years.
Through it all, they have come out stronger and better than ever.
On their new release, these rowdy rebels live up to the album’s title lock, stock and barrel.