Don’t let Blake Wise’s Wrangler model good looks (yes, he modeled for Wrangler) fool you—he ain’t just another country pretty boy. One listen to his song “The Stayin’ Kind” is enough to prove that this boy can sing.
The song is a great showcase for his strong, warm voice, particularly the up-tempo chorus and slow, sexy bridge. I could definitely hear “The Stayin’ Kind” on country radio.
Another standout on Wise’s self-titled, independent release is “My Own Questionnaire,” which, lyrically, could be a prequel to that other Blake’s “She Wouldn’t Be Gone.” Wise’s delivery really brings out the clever tale of a man’s realization that he’s not the husband he ought to be.
The fun “I Got No Regrets” could be a Kenny Chesney song with its island feel and bouncy vibe; and the not so fun “Tell Me I’m Right,” an almost stalker-like ballad that conveys paranoia, anger and sadness, is chilling. Together they show that Wise can really handle a diverse set of songs.
Wise’s voice could still use a little seasoning and maybe a great producer to smooth things out, particularly on the tracks “Destination Highway,” a fun road song that is a bit too high and whiny; and “They Don’t Know You,” which sounds like someone trying to sound like Tim McGraw. It’s not a bad impression, but it doesn’t sound genuine.
But overall, listening to the songs at www.blakewise.com, it’s clear that Blake Wise has a great future ahead of him in Nashville and on country radio. And Nashville obviously agrees. Just this week he was signed to a record and publishing deal on Broken Bow Records (home of Jason Aldean and Dean Brody) and Magic Mustang Music.
Comments