Big John Mills released his third album, THAT won him a nod from the Texas Music Awards this year with the Musician of the Year award for his efforts. THAT is also the name of this project, which stands for Tributes Heartaches and Texas. THAT’s an appropriate name as THAT is exactly what you get….tributes to other artists, songs THAT speak of heartaches and plenty of references to Texas whether directly or indirectly.

The first track was written by Kent Finlay of Cheatham Warehouse fame and Big John. “I Got The Dog and He Got You” is a true honky tonkin’ song about a divorce and the…yep, you guessed it, the heartaches that go with it. It’s pure country as is Big John.

Kent Finlay also helped produce this album, and was referred to by John as “The Godfather of Texas Music” in his liner notes. He has certainly made his mark on the Texas music scene in many ways with all his talents, and should be commended for the quality of THAT.

“I’m Going Coastal” is the second track and has been a favorite of mine since its release. The rhythm and lyrics of this ditty makes it a winner. Puts you right there on the beach (Port A for me) wherever you are. And when the song is over, you really wish you were at the beach.

“I’m gonna find myself a mermaid with starfish in her hair.
She might have a scaly bottom, but she’ll have such a pretty pair…
of eyes the shade of emeralds. She’ll be right by my side
and will dance upon the water as she runs out with the tide.

I’m going coastal, I’ve gotta get away. Lose myself on Padre or Matagorda Bay.
Take all my cares and troubles, just let ‘em blow off with the wind.
I’m going coastal to find myself again.

Well, I’m tired of the stress, tired of the mess
Tired of fightin’ traffic everyday
I’m tired of the grind, I’ve gotta clear my mind
Tell the redfish I’m on my way.”

“If It Were Only A Dream” was penned by Big John and Mike Messick. This is another one for the heartache category, with a slower beat but still just as country as it gets. This song’s got some great music solos, which proves why Big John Mills is a stellar musician, as well as songwriter. He’s got a great voice for country, too, so he’s got the whole package. Get your hanky out for this one, because if you listen to the words, well, it’s pretty sad.

“My Arms Feel So Empty” starts out sparse and breaks into a traditional two-steppin’ beat after the first verse. From there on, I just wanted to dance. This is a great tune for listening or dancing, and Big John’s music makes me want to dance. You can probably tell from the title that it’s another heartache song. It’s a keeper.

The fifth track, “Chasing Rainbows” is one of my favorite tunes on this CD. It’s kind of soft southern rock musically with some awesome guitar work. The words of this song just touch me as he sings of hope and happiness for the future on the other side of the rainbow.

“On the other side of the rainbow
There’s a pot of gold to find
On the other side of the rainbow
Tomorrow I won’t be so blind.”

“Here Come The Heartaches Again” is another song by Kent Finlay and Big John. This is a slow ballad with some kickin’ piano and well written lyrics. I could quote lyrics all through this review because they are really good, but you can get the CD and hear the lyrics the way they should be heard…in totality with the music. So another heartache song, but a good one.

John pairs up with Nashville Star finalist, John Arthur Martinez, to sing “Loneliest Man in Town”. This is a Tex-Mexish song with a fast beat. Of course, it has to fit in the heartache category because of the story, part of which is sang in Spanish. It’s not as sad as the others because the song has a fun sound to it.

Big John goes solo on “Only One Love In A Lifetime”, and is a true love song. It’s really one of those songs, that lyrically, make it brilliant. I was a bit disappointed in the vocals on this song, but the music and lyrics make up for it. The music on the CD really shines. If I lose the lyrics, it’s because I’ve been deterred by the musicality.

Track 9 gets a bit more bluesy with “Somebody Took My Sunshine Away”, but still part of the heartaches category. Kent Finlay joins John on this song as well as several others, and they really compliment each other.

It gets real bluesy on the next track, “I Got A Good Woman”. Blues equals heartache so we’re still in THAT category. Again, the music really steals the limelight, but the lyrics keep you tuned in as well. Excellent work all the way around.

Big John does a tribute to Tony Joe White with “Rainy Night In Georgia” with a bluesy twist. Big John does an honorable job vocally on this song, and I was completely into the music on this cover as well. This has some really nice solo work and is just overall candy to my ears.

Ending track is “Chicken Swing” in which John and company show off their musical talents rather brilliantly…who needs words when you have instrumentals like this. Very musically talented group and all should be congratulated for work well done.

So if you appreciate real country music by a real country artist, you need to pick THAT up. THAT will be one that I listen to often, and my hat's off to Big John Mills and Kent Finlay on a beautifully done album. THAT’s it!

                                                                                                     Happy Trails,

Written by Lana Hughes, June, 2008