The Good Life  (Audio CD) 
by Andy Griggs

The new album covers plenty of ground musically, from barn-burning rockers and retro-feeling story tunes to soul-searing ballads and bonified weepers. Andy translates each tale perfectly, channeling his bluesy, soulful side on tracks like "All About The Money," a cautionary tale about the root of all evil, and "Long Way Down," a wailing good time of a tune about the power of a woman's charms. His crystal clear vocals weigh heavy with anguish on "What If It's Me," a song about a man who finally realizes why his relationships keep crashing and burning, as well as on the power ballad "Tears And Time." And contemplative cuts like "If You Had Called Yesterday" and the masterfully written "Time Is A Gypsy" find Andy testifying in the bittersweet tones of a man who has crossed that line of no return in a relationship. He even channels a bit of his inner Elvis on "You Can't Drive My Cadillac," a fun, rockabilly-tinged ode to the American classic that lets a woman know just how far she can push her man. And he proves he can still rock with the best of them on the self-penned "Long Stretch Of Lonesome," a pounding, thumping backbeat of a Waylon tune that is an unapologetic love song to the open road and its unfettering promise.

A fitting close to the record is Andy's cover of the old 70's LeRoux classic, "New Orleans Ladies." Laid down not long after Hurricane Katrina hit his home state, Andy felt it a proper way to pay tribute to the Louisiana roots that factor into his sound so heavily. The moment he playfully challenges, "Hey Y'all, Check This Out," in the opening notes of the new CD you know that you're in for some serious fun and entertainment. That was exactly the hardworking singer's goal in making the record he's always wanted to make.