RSSHank Williams III [extended]
- Risin' Outlaw [Curb, 1999] B+
- Lovesick, Broke and Driftin' [Curb, 2002] **
- Straight to Hell [Bruc, 2006] *
- Damn Right, Rebel Proud [Sidewalk, 2008] ***
See Also:
Consumer Guide Reviews:
Risin' Outlaw [Curb, 1999]
Unlike so many musical scions, he's got the equipment--songs he wrote, songs he didn't write, lonesome whine, pissed-off groove, rebel drawl, rebel attitude. But except when it comes to devil's daughters, he lacks the power to convince anyone that he's reinventing rather than reclaiming--that this is expression as well as art. "I plan on livin' long," he boasts, and that's something to brag about. But sometimes there's a cost. B+
Lovesick, Broke and Driftin' [Curb, 2002]
he can sing the greats and write enough to stay in the room ("Atlantic City," "Lovesick, Broke and Driftin'") **
Straight to Hell [Bruc, 2006]
"Kid Rock don't come from where I come from"--and, oh yeah, "if you thought so goddamn you're fucking dumb" ("Pills I Took," "Thrown Out of the Bar"). *
Hank III: Damn Right, Rebel Proud [Sidewalk, 2008]
He's dropped the Williams but kept the sincerity gene, which makes what a mean and miserable cuss he is more frightening and pitiable ("Candidate for Suicide," "3 Shades of Black"). ***