The Dollar

With a distinct, identifiable vocal snarl and the ability to write songs without constantly using half a dozen Music Row collaborators, Alabama native Jamey Johnson forcefully asserts his neotraditional bent on ½The Dollar,½ a beautifully crafted high-impact cautionary about the modern conundrum of work versus family.
His skill at delivering with utter clarity and lack of artifice enhances every performance, as he reinvents the timeless lost-love-and-redemption ballad with ½Flying Silver Eagle½ and on ½My Saving Grace½ thoughtfully counsels perseverance despite an alcoholic father.
The generic ½redneck½ ditties currently in vogue get their moments with ½Rebelicious½ and ½Redneck Side of Me.½
They pale, however, alongside Johnson’s admirable storytelling on ½She’s All Lady,½ his witty Honkytonkers Anonymous vibe on ½Keepin’ Up with the Jonesin’½ (with a superfluous cameo by George Jones) and the moving ½Back to Caroline.½
The final surprise: a powerful gospel closer, ½Lead Me Home.½
Debuts suffer if an artist lacks confidence or faces mediocre production and material.
Those aren’t issues for Johnson, who delivers refreshingly straight and honest.

(Rich Kienzle)