There used to be a memorable commercial for E.F. Hutton, which featured the unforgettable tagline, “When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen.” Trace Adkins, with his bellowing, low country singing voice is a long way from any investment banker.  Nevertheless, when Adkins sings – and especially when he takes a moment to talk during his songs – people listen. Proud to Be Here features plenty of moments for listeners to leanin close and take in what Adkins has to sing and say.

Although there are plenty of fine songs on this new collection, it’s hard to beat the single “Just Fishin’.” Like some of the best country lyrics, this song is about one thing on the surface, but something much deeper when you dig down. Yes, it’s concerns a dad and his girl at a fishing hole. However, the teller of this story is actually meditating on the bond formed when father and child take the time to hang out together. The way this describes the little girl, the one with the pink fishing pole, as restless, just like any other young girl. One of the great things about fishing is that it doesn’t take a lot of thinking. That way the dad can focus on how much he loves his little girl and have the time to talk about how the world looks from her unique perspective.

“Poor Folks” is also a pleasant surprise – at least surprising based upon its title. In these troubled times, it is only reasonable to expect that this would be a song of empathy for those that have fallen on hard times. However, Adkins is feeling a little sorry for those that have tumbled into a romantic recession instead, as its lyric concerns concern for those that don’t have a relationship like his. The prettiest song on the album is “Day like This.” With its lightly strummed mandolin accompaniment, Adkins asks that all bad news be put at bay or on hold for a little while so he can just bask in the beauty of a lovely day. “If it’ll fire me up,” Adkins warns, “Keep it away from my fuse.” What a smart way to express determined, blissful ignorance to the badness of the world outside.

Even though “That’s What You Get” sounds closer to a Starship AOR rocker than anything country, that low, come-hither voice of his somehow saves the song and makes it worthwhile. He’s like a star player on a woebegone basketball team that always has enough gas in the tank to fuel a last minute comeback. “Semper Fi,” which is predestined to appeal to the country audience’s built in propensity for patriotism, finds a warm spot in the heart, whereas a 100 Toby Keith flag-wavers more than likely fall flat. Adkins just has the touch.

Adkins is in a good place, artistically, right now. He makes making memorable country music look easy, which is – by the amount of really bad music released to the market at any moment – isn’t quite as easy as it looks. He oughta be proud to be here, indeed.

Note: "Semper Fi" is one of four bonus tracks available on the Target-exclusive Deluxe Edition.