All The Way Up

David Nail, I’m About to Come Alive

Right now, country music newcomer David Nail is riding on the success of his breakthrough single, “Red Light,”  which is one of the most-played songs on radio right now. The song is #54 on Billboard’s Hot 100 (which includes all genres), and according to the magazine, is one of this week’s songs to gain the most overall plays and sales. The song is already up to #7 on the country charts, just behind songs by hitmakers Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and others. The song is obviously a hit, but how will the rest of the album fare with country music fans?

The first song people might remember Nail for is the title track, “I’m About to Come Alive.” A cover of a track originally recorded by pop band Train, the song was Nail’s first single under the MCA Nashville label, and peaked  at #47 on the country charts in 2007. The album of the same name was originally set to be released in August 2008, but was pushed back to August 18 of this year. The album boasts the work of heavy hitters Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, and Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox- Lambert performs a duet with Nail in the song “Strangers on a Train,” and LeVox and Chensey each cowrote a track on the CD. But, as we all know, big names and one hit don’t guarantee success. That success will be proven or disproved with time- and Nail seems to be on the fast track to more hits.

The first song on the album, “Mississippi,” starts with a few seconds of upbeat piano, reminiscent of old Western bars- but the piano quickly slows and makes way for Nail’s slow, sad lyrics about longing for Mississippi after finding out he’s not who he thought he was.

The first single, “Red Light,” is a breakup song that depicts a typical one that takes place in “the middle of the night” while it’s “raining outside,” and then goes on to say that neither of these were the case in his situation when it happened to him and that he didn’t see it coming. Several Internet critics have stated that they “don’t believe” Nail in this song because he isn’t emotional in it, but he does a good job in my opinion.

In the duet with Lambert, “Strangers on a Train,” the two discuss what it’s like to meet someone that might be the perfect fit, but it’s too late because you’ve already got someone. The song has a very laid-back yet somewhat sad feel, opened by a harmonica, and is highlighted by the chorus:

“As these little brick houses are flying by /’Neath the flickering of the railcar lights /I let myself get lost in your eyes a while /Not another passenger in here can see /How in my mind you’re holdin’ me /While outside the cold makes snow out of the rain /But in here, we’re just strangers on a train”

Other standouts on the album include “Again,” which reminisces the strong feelings of a past relationship, and “Looking for a Good Time,” which is a deep song about “casual,” meaningless relationships with guys that will say anything to get what they want.

Several of the songs on I’m About to Come Alive have the potential for radio success, but even if they don’t, it’s been in my car stereo since I bought it two weeks ago. David Nail may not find sustained success with the album, as some of the songs tend to run together, but he’s likely to pack some punches with his next one.

Overall Rating:
7/10, “Good”