Rodney Hayden - Down The Road

In 2002 Rodney Hayden released his debut The Real Thing. His unapologetic Texas country music won him many fans, and on the back of support from Robert Earl Keen he looked set to move up to a higher plane.

The big lift-off never quite transpired, despite an excellent second album two years later, but his 2007 release Down The Road may well revive the hopes. Hayden's powerful tenor and his modern sounding driving country beats allied with his traditionalist approach may find a more sympathetic ear as the backlash against the manufactured pop of Nashville gathers pace.

The production is polished, but never overwhelmingly so - allowing the steel guitar and honky-tonk themes full latitude on some fine road anthems and love lost stories.

Drawing inevitable comparisons with George Strait, Hayden has an ear for a great melody, and a driving rhythm of contemporary country that puts today’s major label artists to shame.
                      
Down The Road will appeal to anyone who enjoys the music of Pat Green or Brooks & Dunn. Definitely 'New Country' but leaning heavily on traditional values and instruments. There is even a full-on honky-tonk duet with Sunny Sweeney to enjoy!

• Down the Road
• It Goes By Too Fast
• Whoever Wrote This Song
• Nuevo Laredo
• Lonely Day
• I'll Ride Again
• Midnight in Memphis
• After the Sun Goes Down
• Silverado Boys
• These Arms
• It's Been a While