In Pieces (Remaster)

On his sixth album, IN PIECES, THE superstar of country music is poised once again to break all sales records. Culling from the style of his idol Billy Joel as much as any country influence, Brooks delves further into the mix of high drama and low places of country pop. Country pedigree aside, Brooks is the quintessential pop star.
IN PIECES refers to the random way Brooks collected the songs for the album, but the album is in no way a misguided effort. It is a seamless collection. Most artists are lucky if there is one blockbuster on an album; IN PIECES has several: "The Night I Called The Old Man Out", "Standing Outside The Fire", and the 4 1/2 minute epic "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)". The bluesy "Kickin' And Screamin'" is a left-of-centre departure, a la Lyle Lovett. "The Red Strokes" effectively utilises art as metaphor for romance and serves as one of Brooks' best recordings in a discography including numerous gems. He displays his talent for singing, not posturing or grandstanding.
Garth switches to Cajun spice for "Callin' Baton Rouge" and returns to his roots and spurs for "The Cowboy Song". A murder witnessed by illicit lovers sparks the percussion-heavy "Night Will Only Know". On several songs, Brooks is joined by Trisha Yearwood's harmonies.
With all the pieces added together Garth has, once again, created an album of substance.|