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What impresses most about this traditionalist's sophomore effort is its varied musical styles. "Two Feet Of Topsoil" gets the set off to a blistering start with a flurry of fiddles and steel guitars, then the deadpan "I'm Gonna Miss Her" takes a humorous jab at one man's "confused" priorities (he picks fishing over his woman). The ballads "I Wish You'd Stay" and the title track provide some heart-tugging moments, while the haunting bluegrass cover "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" serves up some gritty mountain music. The only mis-step on the entire album is the event recording "Too Country," featuring George Jones, Buck Owens, and Bill Anderson.

Like country albums from years ago - but UNLIKE most of his current peers, Paisley includes an instrumental (the sizzling "Munster Rag") and concludes with a hymn ("The Old Rugged Cross" - recorded live at his Grand Ole Opry induction ceremony). It's appropriate that an inspirational performance would close such an inspired album.


Paisley does not suffer the sophomore jinx   June 1, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

In the less than two years since he has burst onto the scene he has toured with George Strait, won a slew of awards and been inducted into the Grand Old Opry. I adore his debut CD and this one gives me more to love!

Once again the record company tried to confuse me by making "Two People Fell in Love" the first single, leading me to believe this would be a CD oozing with ballads. But, since I love that song and Brad's first CD, I bought Part II and do not regret it one bit! "Two Feet of Topsoil" really kick starts the CD! The instrumental "Munster Rag" and "The Old, Rugged Cross" are phenomenal and show how true Paisley is to the deep roots of country music, as does "Too Country" on which he gets a little help from some of his Opry friends.

Other standout songs include "Wrapped Around" and "All You Really Need is Love" seem to have the common thread of falling in love and getting married, they really compliment each other well. "Come on Over Tonight" is my favorite track though, it packs traditional twang with a contemporary bang!

Brad Paisley will be around for a long time to come and I look forward to hearing more from him!


Talent and more talent   August 31, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I loved "Who Needs Pictures," and actually like it the smallest fraction more than Part II. But this is incredible! Tells you something about what we're dealing with here...

By the time I've gotten around to writing this, the second single has been released, and that's "Wrapped Around," as infectious, clever and charming as you might imagine with the hook line, "I think it's time to put a ring on the finger I'm wrapped around."

Thing is, it could have been any of the songs here, whether "Come On Over Tonight" (a hardcore bachelor's hilarious dinner of eating crow!) or "I Wish You'd Stay" (heartbreak personified) or "You Have That Effect On Me" (great lounge-y, loopy song of a guy head over heels). The diversity described above is just the beginning of what's great about this man and his very simpatico team. It is also very admirable that he and they (it is a very loyal team) haven't compromised the essential vision they embraced from the beginning...straight-ahead, modern but pure country. NOT country-pop fusion. Intelligent, clever, funny, heartfelt, tuneful, terrific country music.

By the way, these are virtuoso musicians all. Brad Paisley could make it just as a country guitar god if he wished, and I am not exaggerating about his skill, which is notorious. Me, I'm glad he also writes and sings! You'll be, too.

You go, guys. Brad, you and yours do yourselves proud.