Zac Brown Band
Notorious
Capitol/EMI
[Three and a half stars]
“If you’re honest and open, he will write you a song,” sings Zac Brown in ”˜Martin,’ an ode to his acoustic guitar. Honesty and openness are articles of faith for Brown, whose smash 2008 single, ”˜Chicken Fried,’ made him an overnight country star. He specialises in high-earnest homespun: woodsy songs with three-part-harmony vocals and lyrics full of folksy homilies. Brown is a fine guitarist who sings with husky warmth, and the ZBB have jam-band chops and a songwriterly knack for hooks. But just when you’re starting to enjoy the sound, another of Brown’s two-bit life lessons ”“ “Hear what the land has to say/Quiet your mind” ”“ hits with a thud.
Key Tracks: ”˜As She’s Walking Away,’ ”˜Whiskey’s Gone’
