Born in Aubrey, Texas, but moved to Australia near Bendigo, Doug Bruce is back with this new Cd, “Somewhere Better To Be”, preceded by the single “Broke Down Heart”. Like the previous “Brand New Memory” (2006), “Good Place” (2010), “All I Need” (2012) and “Made That Way”, even this last Cd offers us a decidedly new-traditionalistic sound, but far from the modern pop that has long since established itself amongst the majors. There are 13 tracks and they are all excellent, perfectly played and sung. What is striking is the sound he manages to capture, that of the magical nineties, when on the radio the sounds of Garth Brooks, George Strait and Alan Jackson were always present. It is in fact Alan Jackson, who more than anyone else, who seems to be Doug’s inspiration, as you can hear on this Cd, where Doug’s great voice is very similar to that of the singer from Georgia. “Somewhere Better To Be” is undoubtedly a good album, accompanied by some of the best musicians in Nashville, (Jacob McGuffie, David Spires and Jenee Fleenor are just a few ) and the songs have a very catchy sound to them. My favourite, besides “Broke Down Heart” are: “A Little Bit Of Love” , the title track, “Somewhere Better To Be”, “Another Winding Road” and “Without You”. A must to have. For more info: http://www.dougbruce.com.au/Home.html (Gianluca Sitta)
