Tate Stevens

First and foremost, Tate Stevens is a singer! I mean a tremendous "gravy so-good-you-sop-up-every-last-drop-with-a-biscuit" singer! His voice cuts perfectly, genuinely and with an incredible mix of power, energy and brilliant color. I am a professional voice/singing student, and I believe Mr. Stevens has to be one of the (if not the) most technically correct singers (re: gifted) I have heard come out of Nashville. The man can, literally, sing the phone book and make it sound like the best thing you have ever heard. The release of his self-titled debut album introduces this singer to the entire world of country music and it does so with great fire and passion.

From the first track to the last track, you can hear the passion and the infinite joy coming from Mr. Steven's voice. This is a man who knows what he loves to do; knows what he does best and does it with every fiber of his being with heart, soul and a helluva lot of fun. Why not? If it is not fun, why do anything? Mr. Steven's has an honest, genuine and jovial demeanor not only about himself but also his music. He fits into country music like your old pair of faded blue jeans with the tobacco ring on the back pocket. I regret that I never heard him sing around the local clubs here in the Kansas City area. I am not at all surprised of his success and ultimate victory on the X Factor series. He commands his instrument and presents it in a trustworthy, believable and honest manner. My grandma always told me that “the truth hurts.” Well, in the case of Tate Stevens, I am certain it never hurt so good.

His self-titled debut album is a lot of fun to just put in the player and listen over and over again. It is fun, raucous, laid back, sentimental and just plain ornery all at the same time. There is nothing out of place and nothing that feels overdone or forced. The production quality lets his voice shine throughout the record and the blend of instruments to his voice is excellent. I mentioned his strong vocals; in places I hear shades of Craig Morgan and Ronnie Dunn (two of the best damn singers in Nashville as well) but make no mistake Tate Stevens has his own voice and it comes to amazing life on these eleven tracks. My favorites include the positivity of “Ride it Out;” the “redneckified” romance of “Can’t Get Nothin Done;” the sentimental emotion of “Ordinary Angels;” and the story behind the lyrics of “That’s Where we Live.”

Roger Carson, our morning guy, said it best when he tweeted to me that “every cut COLD be a radio hit.” Without a doubt, these eleven tracks are a great introduction to Tate Stevens. This is a record not to be missed. Sure, you can call me biased as he comes from my backyard, however, I can be objective and tell you this is as strong a debut album as I have ever heard. EVER! When Tate Stevens was born, God simply touched his vocal chords and said "you will sing." Boy howdy, does he ever sing! Congratulations, Mr. Stevens and welcome to country music! It is an honor, a great pleasure and a tremendous honor to listen to and play your music.