CD Review: Billy Currington – We Are Tonight
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
“Hey Girl” (Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano) – 3:22
“Wingman” (Jeff Silbar, Chriss Gelbuda) – 4:00
“One Way Ticket” (Gregory Becker, Troy Jones) – 2:55
“23 Degrees and South” (Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson) 4:00
“We Are Tonight” (Marc Beeson, Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne) – 3:52
“Hard to Be a Hippie” (Deanna Bryant, Scotty Emerick, John Scott Sherrill) 3:40 in a duet with Willie Nelson
“Closer Tonight” (JT Harding, Marv Green, Shane McAnally) – 4:59
“Another Day Without You” (McAnally, Barry Dean, Andrew Dorff) – 4:08
“Banana Pancakes” (Jack Johnson) – 4:37
“Hallelujah” (Shy Carter, Brad Warren, Brett Warren) – 3:03
Billy Currington comes from Georgia. This is his fifth studio album and has a total of 10 tracks. The collection is diverse starting with the popular song “Hey Girl” with a disco look, which he released as a single CD in March 2013. It goes on briskly, stylistically adapted to the line dancers and vocally very appealing, with the song “Wingman”, a protector, companion who, however, misunderstands his job a little. With “One Way Ticket” he gives tips on how to go through life freely and independently. This is followed by a dreamy ballad, “23 Degrees And South”.
The title song “We Are Tonight” for me falls under Country Pop, a lot of power and good for dancing. There is already a dedicated line dance choreography. The next surprise follows immediately, namely “Hard To Be a Hippie”, a brisk duet with none other than Willie Nelson. Then it gets soulful and bluesy with “Closer Tonight” and “Another Day Without You” full of heartbreak and longing. And last but not least, we achieve hip-hop and reggae sound with the titles “Banana Pancakes” and “Hallelujah”.
The CD is crossover country at its best, a good mix of different genres and yet a unity. And you’ll like to hear Billy Currington’s voice more than once. An absolutely recommended disc.