Chris Cagle - Back in the Saddle Review

After about a decade with Capitol Records Nashville, Chris Cagle has moved onto Bigger Picture for the release of his fifth full-length album, Back In The Saddle. Working with Platinum producer and Bigger Picture executive Keith Stegall, Cagle's returns with an album which showcases what he's always done best. That is, he is best when singing rocking songs that bring an AC/DC-like musical swagger to country music with lyrics which are clearly country and western influenced along with a few choice ballads.

The lead single "Got My Country On" certainly showcased this and ended up being a Top 15 hit as it showcased Cagle singing about the virtues of a country music life. "I'll Grow My Own" follows a similar tact but is more aggressive with a lyric about being able to live off your own land and do things your own way, outside of the way others think you should lead your life. It's an interesting lyric that was co-written by Cagle and The Warren Brothers. ...full text My opinions and thoughts about music are probably a tad bit more passionate than the typical music reviewer. I study popular music at the doctoral level. Obviously then, music is very important to me. There are less than five musical artists that I am emotionally and financially invested. If I own his/her complete catalogue, I consider that a monetary investment, and for some reason or another, I develop a strange emotional attachment to each (regardless that I do not personally know these individuals). Chris Cagle is included in this group.

We all know Cagle has overcome many obstacles, both personally and professionally, over the past several years. I’ve missed his music while he was gone. Since his last studio release in 2008, every couple of months I would post a social media status update that just said “I miss Chris Cagle. I just wish he would get his shit together.” ...full text Cagleheads from all around the world are grinning from ear to ear after learning that their favorite singer, Chris Cagle, is gearing up to release his first new album in four years.

‘Back in the Saddle,’ Cagle’s fifth studio album, is set for release on June 26. The project is said to be pure Chris Cagle music that his fans have grown to love over the years, complete with the familiar country-rock sound and style that he perfects with every hit he has cranked out during his career.

“The experience I’ve had making this record has rekindled the passion I had for music when I recorded my first record,” says Cagle. “‘Back in the Saddle’ is my life! I wouldn’t change anything about it. It is a record that I can live or die by and be content. I have given the fans my heart and soul. If it’s not good enough, I can live with it. If it is good enough, well then, I can’t wait to see what happens!”...full text Now after several years of anticipation, Cagle has burst back onto the scene with “Got My Country On“, an energy-packed single with the same rock-and-roll touch he’s been injecting into the genre since 2000. Fans will not be disappointed come June 26 with the release of his appropriately titled fifth album, “Back in the Saddle.” The singer, who penned five of the tracks himself, places introspection and reflection at the forefront, creating a very personal and heartfelt experience throughout.

Cagle reveals a softer side with “Dance Baby Dance,” a touching tune that is sure to inspire many a father/daughter moment, along with the gentle “Southern Girl,” framed by soft, charismatic lyrics and sung with a vulnerable tenderness that is rarely heard from the self-proclaimed “redneck rock ‘n roller.” Other equally moving tracks play as haunting reminders of trying times, love lost and lessons learned. “Probably Just Time” paints a relatable picture for those of us unable or unwilling to release the baggage of past mistakes and allow ourselves time to heal-”it’s probably just time to start moving on/ it’s probably just time…I can’t count all the blessings for all the mistakes/and all life’s little lessons learned a little too late/it’s just too much trouble to carry this weight.” ...full text