Robison's Voice Heard Through 'Eleven Stories'

Jacob Tucker, feature editor

Bruce Robison is a towering figure in country music.  Literally.

He stands at a staggering six-foot-seven, and is probably one of the greatest country songwriters of all time.  Why haven’t you heard of him?  Well, that is because he lets top singers such as Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, and George Strait do all of the vocal work. 

Robison wrote the song “Angry All the Time” for Tim McGraw, and it was a hit before the ink finished flowing from the pen.  He also wrote “Travelin’ Soldier” for his sister-in-law, Emily Robison, and The Dixie Chicks.  He continuously pens emotionally complex songs with melodic hooks, and that is why you see so many top artists dig through his catalog of fail-safe music. He has become a huge figure on the Texas music scene along with his brother, Charlie Robison. 

His new album, “Eleven Stories,” is self-produced and riding on the label of Texas-based company Sustain Records.  Many of the songs on the album are very smooth and emotional, thus giving it the ability to hold the listener’s attention for the entire duration of the album.

I would describe his sound as folk/country, rather than country.  It is a good mixture of John Denver, Bob Dylan, and, well, Bruce Robison.  He brings his own sound to the album.  His voice is soft, smooth, and can definitely carry a tune.

His first single, “Virginia,” carefully details a relationship between two young lovers.  The girl leaves, the man stays, but he moves on and remembers his good relationship with her.  The man sometimes dwells on his relationship, but he is very satisfied with his new life with his wife and child.  The melody of the song is very catchy and rolls along with ease.  Not too long after the song starts, you find yourself tapping your foot along with the beat (at I least did.)

Robison describes this album as “real,” and I wholeheartedly agree with him.  His songwriting skills are something that legends are made of.  I can definitely tell why many of the top Nashville artists talk to him when they want a surefire hit.

The lyrics of all of his songs are simple and easy to follow.  They are filled with an emotional edge anyone who listens to them can relate to.

I give this album six out of five stars.  That is not because I can’t count, but it is because the album is just that good.  I believe that Robison does well by blending his music into something that everyone would like. 

I recommend to anyone who reads this article to go and pick up this CD and give it a try.  It will be the best $13 or $14 you have ever spent.  I got it almost a month ago, and I still have not taken it out of my CD player.