Album review: Brad Paisley, Wheelhouse (Arista/Sony)

Brad Paisley, Wheelhouse (Arista/Sony)

On the excellent Wheelhouse, Brad Paisley tiptoes a fine line between satisfying his core country audience and encouraging them to more adventurous attitudes. Good ol' boys, for instance, are sure to enjoy the likes of “Outstanding in Our Field”, a celebration of the blue-collar budget delights of tapping a keg of beer round a campfire.

But it's the less usual tracks that make Wheelhouse interesting, with songs about irritating fundamentalists (“Those Crazy Christians”), an abused spouse fighting back (“Karate”), and inter-racial harmony (the LL Cool J duet “Accidental Racist”, currently causing a stir Stateside). It's all served up with Paisley's customary polish, and his dazzling rockin' country guitar.

Download: Southern Comfort Zone; Outstanding in Our Field; Karate; Those Crazy Christians