BRAD PAISLEY
Time Well Wasted
Arista

Nashville's most reliable artist writes a great song in the voice of Jack Daniel's

Despite a slight sophomore slump in 2001, Brad Paisley has released a good country album every two years since 1999--one each (how consistent can you get?) in May, June, July and August. As singer, writer and player, he's a gifted classicist who never overextends himself, always warm yet often droll, even when he quick-picks on guitar. Time Well Wasted is a fine place to make his acquaintance. The hit "Alcohol" is the most balanced drinking song ever written, yet also damn funny, while "Waitin' on a Woman" is one of the tenderest sexist clichés you'll ever hear. Typically, however, none of the many other winners here wins as big, not even the title tune, which turns his leisureliness into a philosophy. Expect more sure shots in September of 2007.

Blender, Oct. 2005