Although I’ve been an avid music collector for many years, I’ve never been a big fan of country music. Artists including Johnny Cash, The Dixie Chicks, and Hank Williams have been the exception to the rule. When I received Rodney Atkins second album, If You’re Going Through Hell I was skeptical. I remembered thinking that “Honesty (Write Me A List)," the song that made Atkins a star, was thoughtful and well done, but the rest of the album just didn’t stick with me.
If You’re Going Through Hell was a pleasant surprise and a winner from the first note. The album opens with “These Are My People”, an upbeat song that will have you singing along. Despite the upbeat tempo of many of the songs, Atkins clearly has a message he wants to get across. The title cut and first single to be released, “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)" is a good example of the deep philosophical issues Atkins is attempting to address with this album. The lyrics are simple but moving; If you’re going through hell/Keep on going,/Don’t slow down/If you’re scared, don’t show it/You might get out/Before the devil even knows you’re there.
Atkins was a psychology major at Tennessee Tech University and when you listen to the lyrics it is clear he used some of what he learned in the six songs he co-wrote: “About the South,” “Watching You,” “In the Middle,” “Wasted Whiskey,” “Invisibly Shaken” and “Angel’s Hands.”
“Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” uses humor to get its message across, but I’m sure every father who has sent his young daughter out on a date understands its meaning. If there is one song on the album I didn’t care for that much, “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” would be it. The song just reminds me of the stereotypical ‘gun-toting’ country theme that turns me away from the genre.
Aside from that, Rodney Atkins has produced a very strong album that should please country and non-country fans alike. Before the album was released the title track, “If You’re Going Through Hell” had already made its way to the top five of both the R&R and Billboard charts. I expect the album will do just as well. If you’re looking for some new music for some midsummer listening, If You’re Going Through Hell should be at the top of anyone’s list.
Article comments
1 - Melanie Siler
I think the review was okey but in my opinion I believe Rodney put alot of heart and soul into all these songs on this cd and I love all of them.Hes an amazing singer and I know this cd will make it to the top.
2 - Corrina Lee Tapoof
The song, "If your going through hell" is an inspiring & very encouraging song for me because I've been plagued with Multiple Sclerosis & going through uncanny unpredictable hell. "This song rocks!"
One of my favorite songs.
Corrina Lee Tapoof
3 - a big time fan
i have listened to rodneys cd if youre going through hell all day and i just want to say it is the best cd i have ever listened to.
4 - Ashley
I have this cd and I just wanted to say that I love it mostly because the lyrics actually say something meaningful. I cried the first time I heard most of these songs, they're so powerful to me.
5 - allie
Rodney is a great singer he is the best ive ever heard.My fav. song is watching you.Lets not forget that hes hot!!!!!!!
6 - allie
hey...this question is for rodney himself you see I have a myspace and I had 1 of your songs and you deleted it!!!Why?
7 - Elizabeth
you rock i luv your music aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!*******
8 - RachaelRachael
Rodney I love you and I love your music videos "If your going through hell" and "Watching you!!!!!!!!!!!
9 - jenny
hey whats up ur a great music player i like tha tsong ive been watchign you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10 - Mary
Hey I just wanted to make a shout out to all of you OTHER Rodney Atkins fans!!! If any of you watched the ACM awards you will all know that He got the best male vocal award!! Awesome! He also should have gotten hottest country singer!!! And he sang awesome!! Which is just normal for him!
11 - Shianna
omggg!!! i dont care much for country but i adore u ur soooo cute and ur music is AWESOME my favorite songs r Watching You and These are my people!!
~LuV AlWaYs~
Shianna
12 - Katrina
I love ur music more than anything watching you is my favorite song and now im really liking these r my people.I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!you are soooooooooo HOT i would do anything to meet u me and my friend think u r the coolest singer alive. I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC. Country is my favorite music.
Katrina #1 fan
13 - Chiggerbug
I thought Rodney Atkins albumn was awsome and creative. I understood it and it was as sharp as a razer for truth and spunk and wit. This Chiggerbug would love to hear more artist show their stuff.........Keep it up Rodney Atkins
and don't listen to critics they'll bring you down....Chiggerbug
14 - ashley
ur a great singer!!!!!! i have ur cd and i lissten to it all the time!!!! my favorite songs r; watching_u, these r my people, and if ur goin through hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 - ashley
ur so hot!!! i hope i will get 2 go 2 1 of ur concerts and actully get 2 meet u!!!!! me and my little brother andrew wich is 9 is ur biggest fans!!!!! our favorite songs r watching u and these r my people!!! we luv 2 listen 2 ur cd!!! we can really relate 2 these sonngs!!!! my brother says tat he can really relate 2 the sond watching u wit r dad!!!!! WE HOPE WE CAN MEET U 1 DAY!!! TAT WOULD BE SO COOL!!!!!! WE LUV U!!!!! UR BIGGEST FANS IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! ASHLEY AND ANDREW!!!!!!!!
16 - Corey Brewer
i love your song "if your goin through hell". so does my cousin and he hates country, he said its the only country song he will listen to.
but i love that song i could listen to it all day. and your really hot.
Corey
17 - Mary
I love Rodney's song if your going though hell that is My theme song because I can relta to it and I think that he is the best county singer and I hope he goes verrrrrry far
18 - Susan
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Susan
19 - Samantha
Winston Churchill stated "If your going through hell, keep going." That is so cool, I ran across his quote today...and I was thinking I've heard the song with the similar wording before. That is so cool!