'Old Things New' affirms return of country singer: Album release party

Brandy McDonnell

Nov. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- On his just-released album, country star Joe Nichols croons thoughtfully about taking old things and making them new, from renewing long friendships to dusting off Hank Williams records.

The four-time Grammy nominee couldn't have picked a more appropriate title track for this time in his life. The 12-song collection of heartfelt ballads, drinking tunes and uplifting anthems reaffirms the singer's commitment to traditional country music and also reflects big changes he has experienced in the past few years.

"With all the personal struggles, with the personal changes ... I think it's really easy to kind of give up and walk away. But I think we had a decision to make, and that was I had to put my head down and go about what I loved to do again and ... find out if I'm really meant to do this," he said in a recent phone interview from the road in Denver.

Nichols, who turns 33 this month, will play a CD release show tonight at the Wormy Dog Saloon.

In many ways, "Old Things New" reflects the myriad ways Nichols' world has been rocked since he released his acclaimed 2007 record "Real Things."

He wed longtime sweetheart Heather Singleton, got his life right with God and went through treatment for alcohol addiction. He took those experiences, along with the weight of following up on "Real Things," into the studio for his new record.

"I think there's a little bit of pressure. At the same time, the pressure's off. I think some people have written me off a little bit. I think there's certainly people, I'm sure, who've moved on to better and bigger things," he said. "But I think for the most part, the pressure is just on myself from myself. That is, can I still do this, do I want to still do this, and do I have a passion for this? And I've answered all three of those questions with a resounding yes. So, I'm gonna stick around awhile."

Among the songs they discovered on the album is "An Old Friend of Mine," which has Nichols singing in his rich baritone about giving up drinking.

"That's my story. It's a very personal song; you know, I've had a problem with alcohol and addiction. ... It's really scary to talk about, scary to sing about. But it's part of me now, and the song is a perfect way to say, here's kind of what I've been dealing with. Here's the power and here's the pain of addiction," he said.

But his newfound sobriety didn't stop him from including a few drinking songs, including the witty "Cheaper Than a Shrink" and a live version of his previous favorite, "Let's Get Drunk and Fight." The neotraditionalist even closes the album with a country-rap remix of his hit "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off."

"I've lived through all those songs," he said with a laugh. "When I was 10 years old, I was singing 'I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink.' Doesn't mean I was knocking back a six-pack when I was 10. It's just what I grew up singing. ... I've certainly been that guy. I certainly don't see any problem with singing about who I have been in the past."

Nichols also is looking to the future, which includes taking the lead role in the Broadway musical version of the 1992 film "Pure Country." He will play the role originated by country legend George Strait and star opposite Lorrie Morgan in the show, expected to debut next year.

His previous acting experience is limited to music videos; as he told the creative team up front, he didn't even take drama in high school. But he is working hard to ensure he is ready for his debut.

"My hope pretty much is just go up there and have fun. You know, accept the challenge, do something that feels brand new and have fun with it. Make sure I represent Nashville the best way possible, and country music."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0148-39418945