Country Rap

Country Rap

This album, released originally in 1987, yielded the major country hits Too much is not enough (a delightful duet with Forester sisters) and Kids of the baby boom. Less successful was the title track (it was only a minor country hit). It doesn't really work but it's a nice try. I'm not a fan of rap music and it would have needed something special to impress me. This is one case where American country radio got it right. The brothers wrote or co-wrote nine of the songs here, the exception being Where the light comes from. I've not heard this song elsewhere so it may also be an original. In any case, it was rare for Howard and David to record covers.

Although the brothers didn't plan for a career in country music, they adapted well to its requirements and this, like many of their albums, has more of a traditional sound than some of the music recorded in Nashville at the time, with steel guitar (played by Dannie Jone) and Hawaiian steel guitar (Richard Bennett) among the credits.

Apart from the two big hits, I particularly like One two many times, Sweet nostalgia, Our family and D-d-d-d-divorcee, but there are plenty of great songs here.

If you enjoy the music of the Bellamy brothers and want more than just the hits, this album is worth a listen - if you can find a copy of it - so even if (like me), you remain unimpressed by the title track, don't let that put you off.