First time around,
Aaron Lewis' move to country seemed tentative -- as much a rebranding as a musical statement. Even if the record was awkward,
The Road was a modest success, opening the door for
Lewis to make a stronger move on his next country album -- which is precisely what he does on 2016's
Sinner, a record that is considerably better than its predecessor. Much of the success has to be placed at the feet of producer
Buddy Cannon, who gives the album a sleek, steely modern-day outlaw vibe, one that straightens out and beefs up
Chris Stapleton's revivalism.
Stapleton's "Whiskey and You" is here, one of several strong neo-traditional songs that help
Lewis' unreconstituted power ballads seem somewhat graceful. As nimble as
Cannon's production is,
Lewis remains a heavy-footed singer; if he's not overselling his message, he sounds drowsy. Nevertheless,
Sinner goes down easy thanks to
Cannon's production, which is proof that he's one of the best producers currently working in Nashville. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine