Trace Adkins – “All I Ask For Anymore”

Some fans are quick to leap to the defense of their critically-panned favorites by pointing out that every song can’t be groundbreaking–or, better still, by arguing that there’s nothing new under the sun anyway, so we might as well lap up every last bit of derivative schlock.

They’re partially right–it’s hard to argue with Ecclesiastes–but they are mostly missing the point. Every song can’t be groundbreaking, but it’s not too much to expect that every song be good, an effective and compelling piece of work on its own terms. That’s exactly what Trace Adkins delivers with the third single from his strong (if uncreatively titled) 2008 album X.

There’s nothing revolutionary about “All I Ask for Anymore.” The lyrics concern a guy whose priorities have shifted from the more superficial and selfish concerns of youth to matters a little closer to the heart of a family man–namely, the happiness and security of his wife and children. The production begins sparse, builds gradually with strings, reaches its emotional peak near the end, then backs off for an almost-spoken final line. How many times have we encountered that blueprint?

The fact that it works is a testament to the interpretive ability of Trace Adkins, the rare radio favorite who understands that one of the quickest ways to ruin a decent ballad is by trying too hard. Where the over-the-top stylings of a Richie McDonald or Josh Gracin would send a lyric like this shooting into the sappy stratosphere, Adkins’ performance is all manly restraint, an effective counterbalance to the sentimental message. This is one of his most nuanced vocals yet.

It doesn’t hurt that Adkins has a voice like a slab of concrete, seemingly made to deliver sturdy songs of fatherly affection. Nor does it hurt that this is topical territory he can enter with the utmost confidence, having already scored hits with similarly-themed songs like “Then They Do” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” If it’s a formula, it’s one that’s still working remarkably well.

“All I Ask for Anymore” isn’t groundbreaking–it’s not even the best song from the album (a distinction that probably belongs to “Til the Last Shot’s Fired” or “Sometimes a Man Takes a Drink”). But it is an accomplished singer playing to his strengths with an easy confidence that feels groundbreaking amid all the overexertion and ‘please love me’ pleading of his radio peers.

Are we sure this is the same guy who sang about chrome and badonkadonks?

Listen: Trace Adkins – “All I Ask For Anymore”