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I take an instant liking to a singer/songwriter that realizes not all music lovers have strong feelings for the country genre. In fact, it seems like one of those styles that someone either loves with a passion or hates with a vengeance. That's where Robert Earl Keen comes in with his ninth offering, Gravitational Forces. On the project, and those that precede it, Keen seeks to make, as he likes to call it, "country music for people who hate country music." 

Although his voice has a slight southern accent and many of his previous tracks have been recorded by the likes of the Dixie Chicks, George Strait, and Lyle Lovett, it's not offensively twangy, nor do the lyrics speak of the stereotypical country music-related lifestyles. The first single, "Walkin' Cane," starts out with a John Hiatt-like guitar lick with Keen's vocal influence of Bob Dylan shining through. The somber "Not a Drop of Rain" seems like it could have made a fine James Taylor song. "Hall of Fame" picks up the pace a bit and could have fit in on the latest disc of ex-Dire Straits rocker Mark Knopfler. "Wild Wind" starts off with the sounds of a harmonica and has a catchy southern hook. However, Keen doesn't sound like he's from the south but rather like any typical acoustic rock performer. 

The only song when Keen doesn't keep his promise to the non-country fans is on "High Plaines Jamboree." Not only does the track sound like it could be a saloon favorite, but the lyrics speak of ridiculous relationship soap operas, a subject that's been covered countless times within the genre. Despite this one flaw, Keen does a solid job of conveying his niche sound with the ability to vocally and lyrically pay tribute to some of the greatest artists of all time. 

Andy Argyrakis              (6/27/2001)