"People talking about what is and what ain't country," sings
Luke Bryan
at the opening of
What Makes You Country
. He poses this at a time when the contours of mainstream country are shifting, a change that coincides with
Bryan
turning from an upstart into a veteran. During his decade of dominance, the sound of mainstream modern country was largely the sound of
: cheerful odes to country, drinking, and love. Other bro-country acts had a rowdier edge, but
's ace in the hole was his friendliness. It not only made him seem like the guy next door, it also disguised how he slyly followed fashion, incorporating bits of current trends into his singles. On
, he's not quite so slick. Covered in a shiny electronic gloss, the album flits between slow-burners and mellow pop. While he takes the occasional detour for a song that could be strummed on a front porch -- "Most People Are Good" could fit on any of his records -- the cumulative effect of all the rhythmic loops and electronic flair on the album is that
seems consumed with retaining his status as a hitmaker. Matters aren't helped by the fact that he doesn't seem particularly interested in the party songs; he wanders through the amiable "Drinking Again" as if he doesn't want another beer, and doesn't seem much interested in what makes you country or not. When it comes to the ballads, though, or the numerous laid-back pop numbers,
demonstrates that familiar, friendly charm, and that helps sell productions that are otherwise trying a little too hard to make him sound a little less cozy. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine