With 2019's
Reboot
,
Brooks & Dunn
found a winning formula to bridge the gap between their heyday and the present. Before retiring in 2010, the duo enjoyed two decades straddling the country and pop charts where they lodged major hits like "Neon Moon" and the era-defining "Boot Scootin' Boogie." On
, their first album in 12 years, they enlisted a cadre of younger stars to help them revisit those and ten other songs from their back catalog. The gambit worked, and they found their way back to the top of the charts, making some new friends in the process. So why mess with a good thing? 2024's
Reboot II
is a direct sequel that brings in new recruits like
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
, and
Jelly Roll
to help shine up the
repertoire. They even take another stab at the two aforementioned hits, rolling the dice with a metal remake of "Boot Scootin' Boogie," courtesy of Pennsylvania hard rockers
Halestorm
. In that respect, it's a bit more adventurous than its predecessor. Other guests include
Megan Moroney
HARDY
ERNEST
the Cadillac Three
, the latter of whom breathe some gusto into "She Likes to Get out of Town." As before,
are at their best on the bigger, punchier productions, and with 18 tracks, they get more chances to try. ~ Timothy Monger