Trent Willmon - “Broken In”
The title track from Trent Willmon’s Broken In is the second single to make it off the album. It’s a simple song, but it’s well constructed and Willmon’s rough vocal suits it just fine, giving it a refreshing sound and an air of authenticity.
“Broken In” conveys the cowboy character without the embellished romanticism and the unconventional, simple way of thinking that makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Who needs a new truck if the old one still runs and who cares what the boots look like if they get the job done. Naw, they ain’t broke, they’re just broken in. Besides, there’s something a little sentimental about those old things that have been with you through it all. Willmon then turns around and relates those old things to himself and despite whatever flaws may exist, they only add a little character and he’s still worth something, which is something we all oughta be able to relate to.
It’s not overly polished and it rocks, but only slightly, allowing it to stand apart from most of the rock leaning country music and be an entertaining listen. I previously mentioned that it was one of the more auspicious efforts from Willmon’s album and consider it to be the kind of song that he would do well to continue recording.
Listen: Trent Willmon - “Broken In”
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April 4, 2008 at 11:06 am Permalink
I concur!
April 4, 2008 at 11:40 am Permalink
Just heard this one for the first time early this morning on Sirius 60 and thought to myself, “Man, that’s good. Hope the 9513 reviews it soon.” I liked it immediately, and I had never heard of the guy. Solid effort from Willmon, and yes, it would serve him well to continue on this path. Hope it does well for him.
April 4, 2008 at 1:30 pm Permalink
I like his new album a lot, this song in particular. Trent’s great and puts on a terrific live show. I saw him last July in Huntley, Montana, and can’t wait to see him with Ray Scott this July in Hanford, California!
April 4, 2008 at 3:49 pm Permalink
This is a top song from Trent but sadly he has thrown so many singles at Top 40 Country Radio over the last couple of years they’ve learned to completely ignore him. Another “market” weakness of this song is that the things Trent is getting sentimental about are “guy things” that the mostly female radio audience won’t relate to. If anything these women may harbor resentments against such items as old trucks and boots that their boyfriends and husbands have attachments to that the gals would like to see discarded. Its tough being a man’s man in the women’s world of mainstream country radio……
PS - I bought a DVD sampler of music videos produced by the Tailight TV folks in Nashville that included Trent’s “Dixie Rose Deluxe’s”. I absolutely love that song and music video…..
April 4, 2008 at 3:59 pm Permalink
OK. I have to say that I think that Trent is a very handsome, old fashioned looking man. I like his voice. I also like this song. I have only disliked two of his songs: “I’m A Beer Man”- which I just found to be ill-thought out and rather immature. I also disliked ” There Is A God.” This trend in country music to inject God into song is over play. I don’t mind a good song about faith, and when I die I want them to sing” I Saw The Light”, but just like Josh Turner’s ” Me and God” I find these song pander to a crowd that frankly I think may not think beyond simple ideas. There was a time you knew that you and the singer shared in faith, by the way that they sang a song, by the feelings they injected. Meanwhile I hope Trent continues in to record songs like “Broken In”- he sounds like a real man singing about who he really is.
April 7, 2008 at 9:51 pm Permalink
Trent Willmon is a top notch artist. I really like “The Good Life.” I could not get that song out of my head for a very long time when it first came out. The guitar is tremendous as is the whole fun nature of that song. I want to go to that lake right now! Another of his good songs is “On Again Tonight.” And contrary to Craig R, I think “Beerman” was pretty good, too. “Broken In” is another fine track. Trent Willmon deserves to be in the top ranks of country music. Hopefully this new album will help put him there.
April 12, 2008 at 5:29 pm Permalink
A few years ago we got to see Trent live at a fair in Pennsylvania. Very, very entertaining. And way over the head of most of the people there.
When you pull off a medley that includes AC/DC, Charile Daniels, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, the soccer moms and senior citizens are going to be confused.
Trent was in great voice, the band sounded great. Trent is a really good guitar player and singer. I get the feeling that his talent still hasn’t been captured quite right in the studio. When you have his talent, and his looks, SOMEONE needs to figure out how to make this guy a bigger star.
June 18, 2008 at 4:19 pm Permalink
Trent’s new release is just what he needs to get back to the Nashville spotlight. The song ” doesn’t Mean I Dont Love you” is a sure fire smash hit. I first heard it on itunes adn then saw that he put it on his myspace. I agree that the infusion of God is become a bit much from every country artist but it still does not take away from what is overall a pretty solid album. I hope this is the launching pad back to the top for Trent. Good Luck.
July 27, 2008 at 5:30 pm Permalink
I’m glad you reviewed Trent, I’ve been a big fan of his for awhile, but notice that he doesn’t get any attention at all in the business. All of his albums have been consistently good, and the song “The Ropin’ Pen” is a real good fun little song I love to listen to often.
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