The Dollar (BNA, 2006)

Jamey Johnson counts traditional country, new country and southern rock among his influences, and the Alabama native melds them together in a unique way with special emphasis on traditional sounds on his 11-song debut album. Johnson is a great storyteller, whether that song is going to cause laughter or tears depends on one's perspective.

The self-titled track is about a family spending time together, written from the child's perspective while "Flying Silver Eagle" is a tale of a superficial relationship that comes full circle at the end.

With his deep baritone, Johnson is especially strong on ballads like "She's All Lady", "My Saving Grace" and the southern rock-influenced "Back to Caroline" Johnson, who wrote two songs and co-wrote five others, sings about giving up the honky-tonk life on "Keeping Up With The Jonesin," with George Jones making a brief appearence at the end of the tune.

Like many country artists of the past, Johnson closes the album with a powerful gospel song "Lead Me Home."