For the Love (Rocky Comfort, 2007)

Like many of his fellow hitmakers of the 1990's, Tracy Lawrence decided to start an independent label. He named it Rocky Comfort Records, and the music on the 11-track debut matches the label's traditional-sounding name.

The highlight is Lawrence's collaboration with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on "You Find Out Who Your Friends Are." They pick up for each vocally where the other has left off. The story tells the age old lesson that true friends come through in tough times. The album also features a solo version of the song, but the trio version is far better.

It's not the only clichéd lesson here. "You Can't Hide Redneck" tells the listener that you can't hide who you are no matter how you dress it up. The title track talks about people doing things for love, not money. It's another collaboration - this time with 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold. But Lawrence pulls off the duet without going pop. As this album proves, this traditionalist couldn't do that if he wanted to.

The disc is filled with ballads similar to the ones that Lawrence has sung for years. Among the stronger cuts are "'Til I Was A Daddy Too" and the hurtin' "Speed of Flight."