After spending enough time with his side project the Road Hammers to record two complete albums and score a record deal in the USA, Jason McCoy returns with his first Solo recording since 2005’s Greatest Hits project.  The album kicks off with Jason’s self-written “I Don’t Think My Baby’s Comin’ Back.” With a shimmy and a shake not unlike a classic Dwight Yoakam tune, the song really sets a mood for the record that is extended by “I’d Rather Be Happy Than Right.” A playful song co-written with Thom Shepherd, “I’d Rather Be Happy” is a slice of zydeco-inspired country music that is full of clever phrases about how to keep a relationship on the right path.

“I’m Only In It For The Country Girls” is a slice of honky tonkin’ motivations for a singer while “Heartache” and “Little Bit of Lovin’” have grooves not heard stateside in a long time.  That’s what’s always made me a fan of Jason McCoy’s music, he’s unafraid to record tunes that are like slices of honky Tonkin rockabilly heaven.  “She’s Good For Me” is the first single from Everything and it’s already a Top 10 hit on the Canadian singles charts  (as if there was ever a doubt this would happen).  While a wee bit more ‘mainstream’ Nashville than most of the record, McCoy’s vocal certainly helps bring this song, which he co-wrote with fellow Canadian country star Deric Ruttan, up higher than it might have been in another singer’s hands. 

I’ve always been perplexed as to why Jason McCoy never became signed to a record deal south of the Canadian Border (outside of that brief moment with the defunct Montage Music with The Road Hammers).  His music is constantly impressive, his voice expressive and like his past solo efforts, Everything is downright good country music.