Like many a young country singer,
Justin Moore sings an ode to
Hank Williams on his eponymous 2009 debut, but the catch is, he's not saluting Senior, he's bumping fists with
Bocephus. Raised on rockin' country, he has no interest in traditions, at least as far as music goes. When it comes to his "Grandpa," "Small Town USA," and the "Good Ole American Way," though, he's all about tradition, but
Moore is more interested in the double-entendres that fuel "Back That Thing Up" or the big-buckled, heavy-booted threat "I Could Kick Your Ass." Despite these macho tunes,
Moore sounds more polite than tough, his touch gentle, and his crisp production clean, turning his debut into a crowd-pleasing collection of modern country. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine