Jefferson, Georgia is a small town of 9,432 people that lies south of the Mason-Dixon.  Most would call this town a meager blip on the national map, but to rising country music star Brantley Gilbert, this is home.  His first album, Halfway to Heaven, released Sept. 13 topped the U.S. country charts at number two.  With his first release under his belt, Gilbert hopes to produce more of what is being called “rockstar country” to appeal to his wide fan base.

Halfway to Heaven possesses an authentic, down home “outlaw” vibe that is rarely found in the days of “country-pop.”  “Hell on Wheels” kicks off the album depicting a Dukes of Hazard like car chase with the presence of flowing moonshine.  “Bendin’ the Rules and Breakin’ the Law” follows up with the same message, throwing the rules out the door.  “Kick it in the Sticks” and “Country Must be Country Wide” are the songs that stand out the most.  They are the epitome of “hard, country-rock” music.  The songs show city slickers how southern folks get down.

By this point, one could assume that Halfway to Heaven is chock-full of hard licks and party songs.  Gilbert decides to show a softer side in the tracks “My Kind of Crazy” and “Fall into Me”, written about taking the chance to find true love.  These tracks stand out and show that Brantley is multi-dimensional.

“Them Boys” is a song based upon a classic image of “them boys” riding around town in their truck and blasting music.  It has a mainstream sound that ends with “them boys” sitting around and reminiscing. The title track, “Halfway to Heaven” is a true testament to Gilbert’s life.  After a car accident almost took his life as a teen, Gilbert found his faith and became devoted to producing music.  The jacket of the album includes pictures of the crash.  “Saving Amy” is another heartfelt track, based on the loss of a friend the night he proposed to his girlfriend.  The song is written from the point of view of the lost friend, watching Amy as she mourns his passing.  Brantley and Amy end up reuniting with the friend at the gates of heaven.  This song is chilling to say the least.

This is a five-star album.  He balances the hard cuts and the ballads to produce a sound that is unlike anything currently playing.  If you are a country music fan, do yourself a favor and pick up this album.  Brantley Gilbert is on his way to becoming a household name.

By Derek Fuhrmann