Tim McGraw "Let It Go” (Curb)

Tim McGraw "Let It Go” (Curb)

Country

Tim McGraw opens his 11th studio album with "Fly Away,” an uplifting sing-along (written by Big Kenny of Big and Rich) that finds a carefree McGraw, as comfortable churning out chart-toppers as he is making movies or selling out concerts. Then the crooner becomes a big downer: "Let It Go” definitely isn't McGraw's "glass half-full” album. Most of the tracks are stone-cold country tunes bemoaning blue-collar life, alcoholism and loneliness. On one song, he sings, "I drink because I'm lonely / I'm lonely because I drink.” This doesn't sound like a millionaire married to a supermodel.

But credit McGraw for consistently finding quality material that stretches his fan base and challenges listeners. McGraw has a knack for choosing songs (he co-wrote only one of the album's 13 tracks) that instantly sound familiar and recognizable. "Kristofferson” and "Shotgun Rider” will have you singing the chorus.

McGraw opts for the sure bet with a Faith Hill duet on "I Need You” and dusts off an obscure Eddie Rabbitt single, "Suspicions.”

Fans and critics can't pigeonhole McGraw, because he satisfies in whatever he tackles: country-pop, traditional country and hillbilly rock. With "Let It Go,” the Lousiana-bred crooner reaffirms his status as the George Strait of his generation — an artist who churns out hits and quality albums, usually one per calendar year, seemingly without effort.

— Ben Scott