Tennessee Plates (Giant, 1995)

After several years of roller coaster rides on MCA, Collie shows diversity as well as his distinctive style on a new label. The man is hip, slick and totally cool. From the first cut, "Steady As She Goes" to the last, "Chasin' a Dream Called Love," Collie proves he is the real deal. With an infusion of rock and honky tonk, Collie works his way through all 11 cuts effortlessly and with panache. His hard driving performance on the title track is only surpassed by the tenderness he injects into "Chasin'..." Also outstanding are the first single "Three Words, Two Hearts, One Night" and "Tunica Motel," a Tony Joe White composition that feels like it was created just for Collie's voice and style. While not perfect, it is full of songs worth hearing and hearing again. However, it is Collie who makes this collection so significant. Perhaps his time has finally come.