Singer McGraw’s ‘Circus’ has it all

Country megastar Tim McGraw has been consistently amazing the country music industry with his incredible voice and top-notch performing skills since his debut in 1993. Albums such as “Not A Moment Too Soon,” Everywhere” and “A Place In The Sun” were all certified multi-platinum in record sales and garnered such accolades as the Country Music Association “Album of the Year” and the Academy of Country Music “Album of the Year.”           

Though not a songwriter in his own right, McGraw has the innate ability to choose songs that showcase his voice. McGraw has 15 No. 1 hits under his belt and the first single from his new album shot straight to the top ten within a month of its release. “Grown Men Don’t Cry” is the fastest rising single of his career and is now sitting pretty at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top Country Singles Chart.

“Grown Men Don’t Cry” seems to set the pace for the other 13 tracks that make up “Set This Circus Down.” Gone are the years of “Indian Outlaw” and “I Like It, I Love It.” McGraw has definitely mellowed since marrying fellow country superstar Faith Hill and settling down into the role of family man. Like his persona, his music has come full circle from a sexy bachelor with high-energy tunes to a more low-key artist with one of the most revered marriages in the business.

The album includes the history-making single “Things Change.” McGraw debuted the track at last year’s Country Music Association Awards and Napster uploaded the live recording from which radio stations all over the country downloaded the song. “Things Change” became the first single ever to fly up the charts not only as an unreleased single, but as a Napster-to-radio hit.

McGraw stays up-tempo only three times on his current musical endeavor. “Telluride,” “Unbroken” and “Smilin’” are all upbeat, featuring excellent electric and steel guitar with a bit of fiddle thrown into the mix. All three are definite crowd-pleasers, reminiscent of such McGraw classics as “Something Like That” and “Down on the Farm.”

The Latin-influenced sexy tune “Let Me Love You” will be no stranger to fans. McGraw and Hill performed the song on their Soul 2 Soul Tour. On the album, McGraw makes it all his own and the guitar parts give his band, the Dancehall Doctors, a chance to prove their prowess as consummate musicians.

While it’s no secret that McGraw excels at fast-paced tunes and electric live performing, where he shines most on his new album are the ballads. Another Soul 2 Soul favorite, “Angry All the Time,” reunites McGraw with his lifelong duet partner, Hill, providing a little back-up. The song is a lyrically-poignant look into the difficulties of relationships and their harmonies are nothing short of musical genius.

“Take Me Away From Here,” “You Get Used To Somebody” and “Why We Said Good-bye” can be easily compared to McGraw’s early hits with “She Can’t Be Really Gone” and “Please Remember Me.” The songs flow so easily, slipping the listener into a cocoon of gentle contemplation and memories.

“Set This Circus Down” has all the ingredients to surpass McGraw’s perhaps best-loved album “Everywhere.” His songs are classic McGraw, evoking a plethora of emotions ranging from braving the hardships of the single life to finally setting the circus down and being content. McGraw’s voice has become better with time, as illustrated by his ease with a wide vocal range and his seemingly effortless vocal stylings.

“Set This Circus Down” will no doubt join its predecessors in selling millions of copies and finding a place in the heart of country fans worldwide. The album hits stores today and McGraw will take to the road with Kenny Chesney this summer to promote it.