That Was Then This Is Now - CD Review By CountryMusicReport.com
Rating - * * * * *
There is a guy in country music that many
people have probably never even heard of, but after reading this review,
hopefully you will go to your favorite online music outlet and buy this record. Charlie Allen is truly a class act. He's a songwriter,
musician, and one heck of a singer, but he also has a story. That story starts
from his family heritage.
Both of his parents were in the music
industry, and his mother is even a member of the Bristol Music Hall of Fame.
Music is all Charlie has ever known, unfortunately, he's never gotten the fame
he deserves. Now, on River Run Records, an independent label,
he has a lot more freedom and a company that's actually backing him full force.
The CD sleeve has Charlie as a young boy posing with some of Country Music's
finest such as Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride and Mel Tillis. On the inside,
he's posing with the likes of Rodney Atkins, Willie Nelson, and Shooter
Jennings.
The first song off this album showcases his
talent as well as his beliefs. "I Can't Take Him Out Of Me" takes a
firm stand on politics and religion. Charlie explains how people are trying to
take God out of schools, off our money and completely take God out of
everything. Anyone who listens to this song will want to stand up with Charlie.
Honestly, this tune should be played on every station and even sent to
Washington. As a country, we need to quit worrying about being "politically
correct" and everyone needs to get thicker skin and quit worrying about the
small stuff. Charlie Allen makes it known that no matter what, God will never be
taken out of him. "I Did This To Me" is another tough song. With
Nashville producing so much "bubble gum" stuff these days, it's almost shocking
to hear something so powerful, but what a delight it was. This is a tune about a
man who cheated and now he's suffering the consequences. "I lit the match
and now my whole world’s up in flames," sums up how he feels about the
situation. Another very unique thing about this song is when his sister-in-law
came to him and said they're packed and then threw the keys at him. These lyrics
are great.
"Good Time Charlie" will hit the mark for many people. The background music features all of the instruments that make a country tune, but the way they are arranged, you'll feel like you're back in the good ole' days. There is just something about a harmonica that cuts like a knife. The title track "That Was Then, This Is Now" consists of Charlie's traditional Country sound with a modern edge. It's simply about how things change in a person's life and how some people live in the past. Everyone needs to hear this record, if nothing else, then for this tune alone. You can listen to it over and over again, and be able to pick out different things in their lives that are mentioned. Only a Country song could be about finding love in a "Dollar General Store." Your feet will be tapping from the first note to the last. Charlie Allen's "That Was Then, This Is Now" is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. If you love Country Music, you need to add this album to your collection. You won't regret it.
Link to review:
http://www.countrymusicreport.com/ONTHERECORDII.htm
http://www.countrymusicreport.