Home (Greenhorse, 2015)

Christened by some Texas Music purists as a sellout, apparently Pat Green bears no ill will. As one of the first breakout successes, no doubt paving the way for others in the process, Green has nonetheless, come back to his roots with a CD that should lay these criticisms to rest.

By the time of its release, "Home" had already spawned two number one hits on the Texas Music charts, "Girls From Texas," a duet with Lyle Lovett, an ode to Texas female "hottitude," and the poignant song of children growing up while dad is on the road, "While I Was Away," penned by Zane Williams. Make no mistake about it. These 13 songs are aimed directly at Green's homeland of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. From the country-rocking title track, "Home" throughout the rest of the lineup, Green is back and serving notice.

Four duets grace the album. In addition to Lovett, are efforts with Sheryl Crow, "Right Now," a quiet, loping love song that evokes a sort of throwback, Don Williams vibe, the rollicking party tune, "May The Good Times Never End," with the ageless Delbert McClinton (and a healthy dose of Leroy Parnell slide guitar,) along with a salute to the Big Easy with Marc Broussard, "A Good Night In New Orleans."

Green wrote or co-wrote 7 of the 13 songs included. These are love songs, love of a woman, love of family, love of home and good times. They cover love and loss and finding it all again, grownup topics all. Standouts are "I'll Take This House," in which Green bets on his family to last, and "Day One" in which he touts his recovery from heartbreak, once he get by day one.

Green has earned the right to record his way.