Thomspson Square - Just Feels Good

I vividly recall sitting in my sophomore English class when Mr. Hanna….my favorite non-music (I was a "choir jock") teacher…first introduced me to the word sophomore. "Wise fools. You are all wise fools, otherwise known as sophomores." He continued with the Latin meaning of the word sophomore translates to wise fools. Knowing that definition today allows a better understanding of the phrase sophomore slump; the first time was great but can that greatness achieved the first time be continued. In the case of Thompson Square and their new album Just Feels Good, please continue to listen. There is no slump anywhere nearby to be heard here.

Quite the contrary; there seems to be a much deeper, peaceful, easy, effortless feel and sound to their second release. The songwriting is real, relatable and un-forced. Their voices blend together with a perfect blend of smoky edginess from him and angelic brightness from her. The blend of their voices reminds me of some other duos in country music royalty; Tim and Faith; Porter and Dolly; George and Tammy. Their sound is as incredibly comfortable as sliding your feet into an old, worn pair of boots.

The years of hard work, paying dues and "singing for supper" has been typical for The Thompson's…married for ten-plus years based on a true-to-life "love at first sight" meeting at a singing competition in Nashville. They spent time as solo artists, doing their own thing, however, the sparks really flew when they decided to give it a go together; they have not looked back since. One would think that spending that much time together would not be conducive to the rigors of the music industry. T2 has made it look easy because as wife Shawna says, "So many of our dreams have come true and it’s so much sweeter because I’ve gotten to share them with not only my husband but my best friend.” T2 are artists and role models; an unbeatable combination.

The reigning ACM Top Vocal Duo and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year had a hand in penning six of the albums thirteen tracks. (Note: There is a deluxe edition available through an exclusive arrangement with Walmart that contains an extra three tracks.) David Lee Murphy and The Warren Brothers provide material as well. The content is auto-biographical as it documents their journey from the initial spark of romance, to marriage and all its trials and tribulations. Favorite tracks include: "That's So Me and You," "I Can't Outrun You" and the lead-off single, "If I Didn't Have You."

Just Feels Good plays out like a nice little mini-series on the lives of Shawna and Keifer Thompson. Pop a cold one, grab your favorite snack, "turn it up to 11" and listen and learn the story of Thompson Square. If there is such as thing as must hear radio, Just Feels Good by Thompson Square is episode #1!