Living In Black and White (RMG, 2001)

Eddy Raven's new CD sounds so fresh and energetic that it's hard to believe it has been more than a decade since he charted with hits like "Joe Sure Knows How To Live," "I' Gonna Get You," "I Got Mexico" and "A Little Bit Crazy."

The Louisiana-born Raven, also known for penning such classics as "Thank God For Kids," an Oak Ridge Boys hit, has succeeded in finding 12 new songs that fit his style to a T. The result is a very enjoyable album. There's really not a weak cut here with plenty of fiddle and steel guitar throughout. Songs like "Bermuda Triangle,"(a good song with a goofy title ¡ about an island vacation rendezvous), "Cowboys Don't Cry" and the title track are among the best. Raven really shines though on the songs that reflect his Cajun heritage, like "Blue Cajun Moon," "Hearing It In French" and "New Orleans is a Mighty Good Town" (featuring Buckwheat Zydeco).

Though he gets little radio airplay these days, fans shouldn't forget Eddy Raven. This album shows that he's still more than able to crank out a fine country album.