When the Good Guys Win
isn't billed as an explicit sequel to
Remington
,
Granger Smith
's 2016 major-label debut, but that's effectively what it is. Cut from the same sunny cloth as its predecessor,
feels like a throwback to country at the dawn of the 21st century: It's melodic and sweet with hints of arena rock, but not too much volume or rhythm. Even when he makes a slight feint toward the R&B sounds that dominate modern country-pop,
Smith
winds up steering himself back to an anthemic center. He is so inherently nice that his pro-second amendment redneck rallying cry "Don't Tread on Me" feels like it's delivered with a smile. Nevertheless, "Don't Tread on Me" is the most interesting thing on
, not least because it also features an appearance by his good old boy alter ego
Earl Dibbles, Jr.
-- it's unclear whether this is intended as a full-blown
track, and it's difficult to discern the vocal differences between the two -- because it's the only time that
doesn't sound like
Kenny Chesney
with no interest in visiting a beach. Such pleasantries make for a pleasant album, albeit one that tends to fade into the background. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine