“Good Time” – Alan Jackson

Rating: 8/10

With patriotic spirit, a comforting Southern drawl and immeasurable country-music passion, Alan Jackson is back with his 15th studio album, “Good Time.”

Throughout the album, Jackson proves that sticking to his country roots brings out the best in his vocal abilities. Even with 17 tracks, Jackson captures the listener’s attention for the duration of each song.

From the first note of “Small Town Southern Man,” the best track on the album, there are similarities in sound and lyrics to Jason Aldean’s hit, “Amarillo Sky.”

But instead of focusing only on a hard day of working in the fields, Jackson takes the story one step further. Jackson sings about the kindness a Southern man has, growing up in a small town, being true to Southern roots, having a large family and learning about love and understanding.

The song finishes by conveying how a true Southern man has strong faith and vigorous patriotism and should feel blessed all the way until death. The song has a mellow beat, and the fiddle makes the song feel as if a Southern man is telling his story even before the words begin.

Although Jackson may not have quite the heartbreaking looks of Toby Keith, he did land a duet with country artist Martina McBride. The touching track “Never Loved Before” blends the vocal talents of the two singers in beautiful harmony. Jackson reaches back to country’s roots by pulling out the steel guitar and banjo for several of his tracks, such as “Long Long Way” and “Right Where I Want You.”

Overall, the album has a slower tempo. Its only negatives are a few repetitive instrumental tempos of songs such as “I Wish I Could Back Up” and “1976;” nevertheless, “Good Time” still manages to captivate through familiar strains of true country honky tonk (as heard on the title track) and the gentle twang of Jackson’s voice.

Jackson’s album is certain to be appreciated more by those with a heart for true country and not the country-pop Rascal Flatts fans.

“Backwoods Barbie” – Dolly Parton

Rating: 5/10

After several Botox injections, face lifts and hairstyles, Dolly Parton is out to show that she is still just a country girl at heart.

Parton moves out of her comfort zone of bluegrass country on “Drives Me Crazy,” which sounds more like pop music.

While the song itself has a catchy beat mimicking that of Janet Jackson, it’s clear Jackson should be the one singing.

As rich and famous as Parton is, there is no denying she never had the vocal talents of Reba McEntire, Sandi Patty or Carrie Underwood. She does manage to make her vocal strains comforting through the familiarity of her unique voice.

Elsewhere, Parton shows that even stars with big smiles have insecurities. On the title track, Parton uses a catchy beat and cute lyrics to speak about how her biggest struggle has been to look beautiful outside, when all this time she should have been focusing on the true beautiful country girl within.

Throughout the album, Parton does an excellent job of strumming away at her guitar. Although her vocals may not be as strong, her talent for the guitar cannot be denied in “Jesus and Gravity.”

Even though the album is bearable, it doesn’t compare with artists such as Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. The album cover is pretty in pink, but Parton’s voice is not so cute. She offers great messages and nice tempos, but her vocals lack the strength to compete with the greats of the country industry.