Album Review: Home Free 'Country Evolution'

Country quintet and winners of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” Season 4, Home Free is preparing for the release of their third studio album, Country Evolution, via Columbia Records on September 18th. Produced by Darren Rust, the album features fourteen songs, five originals and nine renditions of songs both classic and modern. The five members, Austin Brown (high tenor), Rob Lundquist (tenor), Tim Foust (bass), Adam Rupp (vocal percussion/beat boxer) and Chris Rupp (baritone), utilize flawless instruments-their voices-creating a completely unique and enjoyable listening experience.

Their harmonies shine bright throughout the album on songs like the funkified “9 to 5,” “Alabama Sampler” and “Seven Bridges Road” as well as personal favorite, the perfectly paired “Fishin’ In The Dark/Boondocks.” Not missing a beat, they also put their stamp on “House Party” and Andy Grammar’s smash “Honey, I’m Good.”

In addition, there are collaborations with guest artists including Charlie Daniels and Taylor Davis (“The Devil Went Down to Georgia), and The Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”). Original compositions include “California Country” which exudes a laid back, easy breezy Golden state vibe, fan favorite “Summer In The Country” with over 330K YouTube views, “Good Ol’ Country Harmony,” whose name says it all, and the uplifting “Don’t It Feel Good.” At 1:05, the hymn-like closing track “Serenity” hits the mark. “At the end of the day…..I know I can smile if just for a while, I’ve got a song.”

It’s a country evolution even traditionalists should be able to get on board with.

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