‘New To This Town’ Kix Brooks

“New To This Town” is Kix Brooks’ first album since the end of Brooks & Dunn – and his second career solo effort. The album’s highpoints revel in the rambunctious attitude the Louisiana native brought to the long-running superstar duo. The low points, however, serve as a reminder why Ronnie Dunn was such a good partner for Brooks.

At his best, Brooks injects spirit and personality into country rockers such as “Let’s Do This Thing” and the title song (featuring Joe Walsh). But he falters a few times. “Bring It On Home” is a well-written ballad about a man giving up wild nights in honor of the woman in his life. Brooks talks his way through the start of the tender lyrics, then struggles when the chorus and end of the song ask him to show a larger range.