Richard Lynch is an award-winning American country singer that stands out in today’s world of pop-country. He has long list of chart toppers and there is no question why. With a sound reminiscent of classic artists like Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Hank Williams, Lynch has earned his place in the highly regarded genre of pure country roots music. Lynch’s new album, ‘A Better Place,’ further confirms that Lynch will continue to rack up fans and accolades in this traditional country arena.
Richard Lynch’s new album ‘A Better Place’ is fueled by authenticity. Lynch comes from hard-working, blue-collar bones; in addition to singing and touring, he is an everyday American farmer who knows what it’s like to work hard, get your hands dirty, and reap the rewards of a harvest. The first song off the album “You Show Me Yours” is a tribute to Lynch’s ability to reap a harvest of hit after hit. The tempo is upbeat; there are twangy, country-blues guitar riffs and leads, and a back-beat that will get your foot-tapping. The chorus is beyond catchy and downright fun, “You show me yours and I’ll show you mine.” The entire song will put a smile open your face. This song is followed up by a lovely, heart-wrenching duet “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma.” Lynch’s voice perfectly crackles in just right places, the harmonies blend in tone and color, and the finger-picking acoustic guitar sets the mood. Lynch’s voice is exactly what you would expect from a top player in the country music scene – it has character.
The thirds track is one of my favorites. “Texas Front Porch Swing” is a high energy, dance-along, swing your girl number with some of the tightest musicianship in the industry. I have pay my dues to the outstanding band backing up Lynch’s performance because man can they lay it down! This album features the best in country musicianship: Eddie Bayers, drums (Garth Brooks, George Strait); Eli Beaird, bass (Joey+Rory, Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard); Scotty Sanders, steel and dobro (Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley); Jeff King, electric guitar (Reba, Luke Bryan); Steve Nathan, piano, keys, synth (Tim McGraw; Toby Keith); Hyram Posey, fiddle (Grand Ol’ Opry); Larry Franklin, fiddle (Lorrie Morgan, Alan Jackson); Larry Beaird, acoustic guitar (Rascal Flatts, Brooks and Dunn); Billy Yates (Sara Evans, Kenny Chesney) and Russell Terrell, backing vocals (Clint Black, Darius Rucker). Their performance shines through from the walking bass lines, to the fast, fun, melodic lines of the fiddle, and in-the-pocket percussion. “She’s Got Me Drinkin’ Again is another example of Lynch’s ability to deliver up-tempo, catchy country hits. There’s some great piano playing in this tune. Following, is a nice mid-tempo with a 6/8 swing, “New Beginnings and Old Honkytonks.” It’s a song that walks you through the story of a young couple through the years and how an old Honkytonk provides a getaway to “get lost in the moment” and put life’s little ups and downs aside to fall in love over and over again.
In the 13- song ‘A Better Place’ Lynch shows Lynch is a master at his craft, delivering upbeat country that you can dance and swing to, but it would be an understatement to say that Lynch’s ballads are just as great. Lynch’s ballads are pure and phenomenal. “It’s All in My Head” is a gorgeous song that is so honest, you feel like Lynch’s heart is an open book for you to read. His voice is filled with raw emotion that has you lost in the feeling that the song was written for and about you. His voice is smooth and warm and when he sings “If it’s all in my head, why’s it breaking my heart” your heart breaks with him like an old friend. And if your are thinking that Lynch is all serious country - think again. The Song “I like Country Music” opens with a comical heavy-metal guitar riff that Lynch interrupts with “That ain’t country!” Lynch has a sense of humor about life and will often give his listeners something to smile about. The lyrics to this song are fantastic as he walks you through what he likes (country) and what he doesn’t like (the superficial). The title track “a Better Place” is a song about looking back at love lost that will literally tear your heart out and make you feel better at the same time. The album ends on just the right note with “Daddy’s Guitar.” You can hear Lynch’s experiences about growing up country as he walks you down the road of that old country farm. He paints a picture of Daddy playing the guitar, of kids singing along, of Momma cooking fried tatters on the wood-stove. “Oh how I love to go back home,” he croons. And you might just want to go back home with him, especially if your home is traditional country. That is the place where Lynch comes from. It is the home he has built. And he invites you in as a neighbor with the warmth, hospitality, fun and honest conversation of 'A Better Place.' Richard Lynch’s album 'A Better Place' is available for purchase on iTunes.