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Brad Cotter -
Patient Man CD Review

Brad Cotter - Patient Man

OK, so if you've been reading my reviews and my coverage of Nashville Star's second season on the USA network, you know that I really love this reality music show. You probably also know that Brad Cotter was my choice to be in the top 3, but not to win the competition. With the new CD Patient Man I have a few minor beefs, but overall I like the CD, I will get that out of the way right off the bat. Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty and I will explain to you my reasons pro and con.

Last year Buddy Jewell won the competition and has since gone gold plus with his self titled CD. Buddy also debuted at number one on the country charts, and his single went to the top 10. Brad Cotter's first single  "I Meant To" has finally started gaining momentum and is up to #34 after falling in and out of the top 40 for the last few weeks. That still isn't bad, up 4 notches to #34. I don't think it is the best choice on the CD for a single, but I don't work for Sony Music either do I ?

There really are some very good songs on this CD, but making an artist rush to record a CD in a week is a mistake. I don't care, man this CD at times shines, then at other times I would rather listen to his independent demo CD that was reviewed earlier this year, and is now of course unavailable to the public. Brad Cotter has a voice that to me reaches between Michael W. Smith and a rough hewn Mark Wills. A gentle and breezy voice that is recognizable, but can also be overlooked. That is not to say it would be, but on the weaker tracks here Brad Cotter doesn't quite reach the heights he does on the more stellar tracks.

Still my favorite song is "I Miss Me", it is by far the strongest effort on the CD, but the powers at Sony Music decided it would be better as a B-Side to the first single. Ok, that is for them to decide, but here are the other really standout tracks, all which I was first introduced to on his demo CD... "Ive Got Time" and "High On Love" are 2 great tracks.. Now let's get to the less than stellar performances.... "I Came Here to Live" is a great song, but Brad Cotter sounds a bit worn and weak on the vocals. "Blue Collar Night" is good on the chorus, but the energy level drops to about one quarter on the verses. I would say that if there is to be a follow up single, even though it is not my favorite, "Rock and Roll in the Hay" would be a good bet, upbeat and memorable. Look for "I've Got Time" to climb the charts in the months ahead too.  All in all I would say if you could get the demo CD recorded, it would be a better choice, but since many won't be able to do so, this is a good effort for a debut major label CD, but still a bit weak in areas.

  ( 4.5 Stars out of 6 )

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