Search - Chris Knight :: Chris Knight

West Virginian Doesn't Want to be Tim McGraw

Joe | 07/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is everything that today's county music is not.Unfortunately, it is everything that today's country music should be.Chris Knight's debut is direct, honest, literate, heartfelt and brutal.He pulls no punches, whether talking about a stubborn man (It Ain't Easy Being Me), a farmer losing his farm (House and 90 Acres), a dying love (Something Changed), a prostitute finding love (Love and a .45) or criminals (William, Framed).He weaves tales that have no way out and no happy conclusions. They challenge the listener to not be what his characters have become. And unlike other country-pop stars, not only are all the songs his own, they are heart-wrenchingly filled with emotion. Rather than singing universal songs about love, he sings an individual one in "Love and a .45." He sings of a prostitute that is roughed up and road-tested and a cop that loses a love (One day he came home/And she was gone). Each come to the realization that "Love and a .45 are all you need to get through the night/ One will kill you and one will keep you alive." In that common ground, the cop and the prostitute come together.In a story too risky for a McGraw or a Brooks and Dunn, Chris Knight sings in the vein of Johnny Cash. He is a new breed of outlaw, one that sings about the not-so-happy ending. That is why he may be the most important country musician around, too bad no one knows about him."

An incredible storyteller...by any genre's standards!

Johnny Roulette | 12/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why people don't already know who Chris Knight is when I first play this for them is beyond me. If for no other reason, buy this cd for the song "William". It's a heartbreaking story with realism to spare(sample: For what it's worth now, William/I know you could have had a heart of gold/but I don't think you ever knew you had one/I don't think you were ever told"). It should be mentioned that there are at least ten other tracks that make this a must-have. Knight is an absolutely brilliant storyteller whose lyrics and rough voice take you effortlessly through landscapes of tragedy, regret & love. He possesses a sense of humor and wit that will instantly endear him to you. This is Americana personified! It's country that is powerful enough to reach across genres to ensnare other kinds of fans. Do yourself a favor...buy this! Kudos to the mayor of Sorryville."

The best c/d you've never heard

RLWagoner | Williamstown, KY USA | 01/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Knight's self-titled debut is the best c/d you've never heard. While "country" dosen't exactly fit the content, it will unfortunately be pigeon-holed into that sweeping genre. More aptly described as "American" music, in the vein of Mellankamp or Earle, this is a beautifully crafted collection of stories rooted in the south and mid-west. Professionally produced and a crackerjack band make this one of the most listenable and radio friendly c/d's I've heard. Unfortunate, the Dixie Chicks are being nominated for Grammys and this guy can't get air time. And they say God dosen't have a cruel sense of humor."