New Album Review: Ronnie Dunn- 100 Proof Neon

Ronnie Dunn- 100 Proof Neon

Label: Little Will-E

Producer: Ronnie Dunn

We’re in the midst of a refreshing wave of new discovery of and reborn appreciation for the mainstream country of the 90s, which undoubtedly stands tall as one of the true golden eras of the storied genre’s history. And while it’s rewarding to hear a new generation of artists pulling influences from that period, it’s equally thrilling to hear new music from the veterans who defined it, and have continued to keep that sound alive all along. As the lead vocalist of the Hall of Fame duo, Brooks & Dunn, Ronnie Dunn was simultaneously one of the most prolific hitmakers and purely gifted singers of the decade. The high-water moments of 100 Proof Neon, of which there are many, instantly recall the peak performances of his B&D run. Pure country arrangements with both a traditionalist and contemporary zeal, with Dunn’s rich baritone twang serving as the emotional epicenter of it all. Swinging honky numbers like “Broken Neon Hearts”, “Somethin’ I Can’t Have”, and “Two Steppers, Waltzes, and Shuffles” would have resided naturally on 90s playlists, and sure as hell would be palate-cleansers on today’s country radio. There’s enough fiddle and steel to be found here to take the dying format off of life support. And then there’s his cover of “The Blade”, a devastating and definitive moment in Ashley Monroe’s superb catalog, which finds Dunn turning in another of his classic, gut-wrenching vocals. It’s a stirring reminder that when he’s at his best, Ronnie Dunn can still insert himself in the same conversation as the classic country crooners of another golden era, amongst names like George Jones, Marty Robbins, and Buck Owens.

Track Listing:

1. “Broken Neon Hearts” (Ronnie Dunn, Thomas Perkins, Matt Willis)
2. “Honky Tonk Town” featuring Jake Worthington (Dunn, David Chamberlain, Robert Howett, Jacob Lyda)
3. “Two Steppers, Waltzes, and Shuffles” (Dunn)
4. “She’s Why I Drink Whiskey” (Dunn, Terry McBride, Shawn Camp)
5. “Where the Neon Lies” (Chris DuBois, Lynn Hutton, Triston Marez)
6. “The Blade” (Allen Shamblin, Marc Beeson, Jamie Floyd)
7. “If Love Ever Comes My Way Again” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Drake Milligan)
8. “Somethin’ I Can’t Have” (Dunn, Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick)
9. “Honky Tonk Sin” (Dunn, Ira Dean, Chris Wallin)
10. “Road to Abilene” featuring Parker McCollum (Dunn)
11. “Good Bartender” (Bob DiPiero, Lee Thomas Miller, Josh Thompson)