After working with several rock bands in his native Texas, Native American Ricky Lynn Gregg turned toward country with this album, a combo of roadhouse rock and tender ballads. The hit singles “If I Had a Cheatin’ Heart,” “Three Nickels and a Dime,” and “Can You Feel It” are all examples of classic ’90s country: slick and singable. In the raunchy, honky tonk tunes “Alright Already” and “Bring on the Neon,” Gregg shows his mettle; the ballad “No Place Left to Go” is classic country, bemoaning everything but the loss of his dog. The standout, however, is “Cheyenne,” a yearning ballad of release and reassurance. In letting go of a lover who dreams of more than he can offer, he sings: “Fly away/but remember when you land/my heart is in your hands/Cheyenne/I want to make you happy/Cheyenne.” His voice is dead-on with the pain and the strength it takes to let someone go when all you want is for them to stay. Every time he sings the woman’s name, it is a plea and a promise. Not many vocalists can pull a trick like that off. – Bryan Buss
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