Music Review: Tim McGraw

Still riding the outstanding success of Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw takes a somber departure from his usually feel-good sound on his 11th album, Let it Go. Although McGraw placates his traditional fans with numbers full of country twang such as "Kristofferson," he also shows he can combine dark themes with high energy in "Suspicions."

Full of the upbeat, life-is-good message that has become his trademark, lead-off track "Last Dollar (Fly Away)" falls somewhat short of past standout hits such as "I Like It, I Love It" and "Something Like That." However, it does offer the only respite from the somewhat melancholic themes that run through most of the album.

Fans hoping for another power duet from Tim and wife Faith Hill will not be disappointed. Fresh off their record-breaking Soul2Soul tour, the couple recorded not one, but two new duets for this album, "I Need You" and "Shotgun Rider." The latter plays like an old country classic, vaguely reminiscent of great duos gone before them (think Johnny Cash and June Carter), making it their most unique and memorable duet to date. All in all, Let it Go offers the complete package to fans who have come to expect nothing less.