Heartbreak on a Beautiful Day

Charlie Robison delivers his signature whiskey-soaked country on Beautiful Day. The theme of the collection, most noticeable on tracks such as "Reconsider" and "Down Again," is emotional turmoil, a response to his divorce from Emily Robison of Dixie Chicks fame. This is a country album, so the heartbreak motif is the norm. It appears, however, that Robison took measures to keep the heart-on-sleeve songs from becoming too autobiographical.

Fans of Texas singer-songwriters like Robison will appreciate the heavy lyrical content. He gives the listener a lot to think about in every song. Unlike prior efforts, such as Good Times (2004) or Step Right Up (2001), the tone of Beautiful Day is more reflective, somber.

The album is rounded out with the Cajun-flavored “Feelin Good” and a cover of an early Springsteen track, “Racing in the Streets.” Geared toward traditional country fans, I would not recommend Beautiful Day to fans of contempo-country artists such Carrie Underwood or Rascal Flatts. The notoriously outspoken Robison would probably say the same. However, if you’re into soulful songwriters such as Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, and Charlie’s brother Bruce Robison, this album would make a fitting addition to your collection.

Album title: Beautiful Day
Artist: Charlie Robison
Label: Dualtone
Songs: 1) Beautiful Day, 2) Yellow Blues, 3) Down Again, 4) Nothin’ Better To Do, 5) Reconsider, 6) Feelin’ Good, 7) If the Rain Don't Stop, 8) Middle of the Night, 9) She's So Fine, 10) Racing in the Streets