Town Line ~Aaron Lewis

Town Line is the debut solo album from Staind's frontman, Aaron Lewis. Really more of an EP, consisting of five country (yes you heard this right) songs, released March 1, 2011 on Stroudavarious Records Label. I say 5 tracks, because "Country Boy" is on this CD 3 times...an acoustic, radio version and the original featuring George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young and happened to be the first single released December of 2011.
The first song "The Story Never Ends" seems like a radio friendly country/rock song with a message that runs through the whole album. The message I get..."Stay true to your roots," a message I can get behind. I was tapping the toe. Next, "Vicious Circles" which lyrically I loved. Let me state here, that his "country" lyrics are just as passionate and thoughtful as his "rock" lyrics, he does not disappoint in this department. Onward to "Country Boy", which is a typical southern country/rock tune about being a proud, slightly rebellious American, and more stick to your roots punctuation. Gives you that Hank Jr. or Charlie Daniels vibe. I would compare this to Kid Rock Born Free evolution. "Country Boy" leads you into a "Countrified" version of Staind's "Tangled Up In You" and transfers well to the Country genre, in my opinion. Last (not counting alternate versions) is a sweet little tune called "Massachusetts", where Lewis was raised and lives. See the "stick to your roots" theme I spoke of?
Overall the EP is a great listen, melodic with meaningful lyrics. Those who are looking for the heavier side of Lewis maybe surprised by the tenderness of the new songs, some may even reject his crossover attempt. I personally enjoy both sides of Aaron Lewis.
http://www.amazon.com/Town-Line-Aaron-Lewis/dp/B004ISVGTY