Steve Earle

Released in 1986, Steve Earle's debut is now considered the bridge between 1970s Country Rock and '90s Alt Country. The album's polished production contrasts nicely with the gritty soul of Earle's Americana anthems. Fans and critics alike recognize these tunes as classics.

"I was born in the land of plenty now there ain't enough." "I gotta two pack habit and a motel tan." "I admit I fall in love a lot." In other words, he's like ten thousand footloose rock-and-rollers before him, only he's got new ways to say it. Even makes the road seem like a hardship worthy of Scarecrow, if not Born in the U.S.A.. An American yes, a fool no, and Phil Alvin could do worse than give him a call. (Grade - A-)