About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

The Great Divide were one of the better bands to emerge in the middle to late 1990's and, despite the change in vocalists, they're still a great band. "Under Your Own Sun" is packed with 10 songs that mix in traditional country, alternative country and rock into a desirable package.



Pros

• "Crazy In California"
• "Love And Gasoline"
• "Can't Call It Cheatin'"

Cons

• None

Description

• Features songs written by Chris Knight, Rand Bishop and guitarist/vocalist Micah Aills.

• Produced by Luke Wooten.
• Released by Time Records/Pacific Music and distributed by CBuJ Entertainment.

Guide Review - The Great Divide ? Under Your Own Sun

Over the course of the past 10 years, The Great Divide went from popular Oklahoma/Texas band to a couple of Nashville labels and back to Oklahoma again. Shortly after their last album, 2002's "Remain" CD, The Great Divide parted ways with previous front man Mike McClure. The remaining band members, Drummer JJ Lester, guitarist/volalist Scotte Lester and bassist Kelly Green welcomed new lead guitarist and primary vocalist Micah Aills into the fold.

While any change as difficult as one which sees the changing of lead vocalists usually is met with poor results, The Great Divide really seem to be more of a complete band here. They collectively chose the songs for the record and after being absent from lead vocal parts for over two albums, Scotte Lester returns to lead a few tracks here. Micah's vocals have more range than McClure's while also retaining a hint of the grittiness that drew me to the band to begin with.

Lead single "Crazy In California" is as good as anything on country radio, while "Scared Of Heights" ponders why people are content to stay where they are. Scotte's vocals on "Can't Call It Cheatin'" are superb while two Chris Knight tracks, "She's Leavin' This Town," and "Love And Gasoline" fit the Great Divide like a glove.

"Under Your Own Sun" is proof positive that a band can weather the tumultuous lead singer/guitarist change and come out as a better band for it.