Crazy Nights (BNA, 1997)

In an era when bands are at a premium, Lonestar is one of the very few new groups gaining any kind of foothold. Lonestar seems more concerned about sound and song quality. While there is certainly an uptempo feel to it (the catchy single "Come Cryin' to Me," which like most of this type has far too much drums), they aren't afraid to play country music (the honky tonk "Keys to My Heart"). Lead singers John Rich and Richie McDonald sing with a sense of feeling. Maybe that's because the band had a hand in writing eight of the 11 songs.

"Everything's Changed" offers social commentary about changing small town life ("That old drive-in's a new Wal-Mart"). Then, there's Mutt Lange and Bryan Adams's "You Walked In," catchy but silly in comparing the beauty of one's love to supermodels Cindy and Naomi. Lightweight. One wishes producers Don Cook and Wally Wilson kept this more country because Lone Star seems capable. Otherwise, a good follow-up.