Paisley’s latest is arena-ready

Published May 23, 2011 4:00am ET



Among the clich?s in country music are songs about the clich?s in country music, such as the tune Brad Paisley co-wrote to open his latest album. The self-congratulatory title cut panders to the converted while referencing the flag, Jesus, trucks, mama and beer. Also common in the genre are the sort of suffocating, more-is-better song arrangements that undermine “This Is Country Music.” Paisley’s guitar-playing remains a marvel, and he composed some clever material for this 15-song set, including tunes that name-drop guests Alabama and Clint Eastwood in the title.

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