Smoke Rings in the Dark

by Gary Allan

Overview

Gary Allan grows better and more assured with each album, and his third record, Smoke Rings in the Dark, is his best effort yet. Similar to the Mavericks, Allan stylishly blends a number of roots styles, from his signature Bakersfield country to dusty folk and pop crooning, into a neo-traditionalist sound that is curiously out of time. Allan is considerably more mainstream than the Mavericks, which means that the production is more polished and he doesn't really take musical risks. Even if he doesn't quite hold his own against some Americana artists, he certainly is stronger than many contemporary country artists, especially since he tries many different styles and sounds throughout Smoke Rings in the Dark. Not every song works, but even those that don't have still something recommendable in their performance or production. It's a fine album from an artist that keeps getting better. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	10/26/1999
Label:	Mca
UPC:	0008817010120
Rank:	75536

Tracks

1. Smoke Rings in the Dark
2. Right Where I Need to Be
3. Don't Tell Mama
4. Lovin' You Against My Will
5. Sorry
6. Cryin' for Nothin'
7. Bourbon Borderline
8. Runaway
9. Learning to Live With Me
10. Cowboy Blues
11. I'm the One
12. Greenfields

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gary Allan   Primary Artist,Vocals
Wynn Varble   Vocals (Background)
Harry Stinson   Vocals (Background)
Dan Dugmore   Pedal Steel,Guitar (Acoustic)
John Wesley Ryles   Vocals (Background)
Jake Kelly   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Christy Cornelius   Vocals (Background)
Brice Long   Vocals (Background)
Michael Rhodes   Bass
David Campbell   Conductor
Bergen White   Vocals (Background)
Curtis Young   Vocals (Background)
Chad Cromwell   Drums
Steve Nathan   Piano,Keyboards
John Willis   Guitar (Acoustic)
Hank Singer   Fiddle
Lisa Silver   Vocals (Background)
Steve Gibson   Guitar (Electric)
Marilyn Martin   Vocals (Background)
Lisa Cochran   Vocals (Background)
Randy Hardison   Vocals (Background)
Brent Rowan   Guitar (Electric)

Technical Credits

Kendell Marvel   Composer
Max D Crook   Composer
Todd Gunnerson   Assistant Engineer
Todd Snider   Composer
Byron Hill   Associate Producer
Buddy Brock   Composer
Steve Crowder   Assistant Engineer
Gary Allan   Composer
Gary Burr   Composer
Harley Allen   Composer
Tony Green   Assistant Engineer
Mark Wright   Producer
Jerry Laseter   Composer
Jody Yesville   Assistant Engineer
John Wiggins   Composer
Mike Geiger   Composer
Robert Charles   Engineer
Jennifer Bibeau   Composer
David Beller   Assistant Engineer
Brice Long   Composer
George McCorkle   Composer
Jessie Noble   Project Coordinator
Tony Brown   Producer
Odie Blackmon   Composer
Shawn Camp   Composer
Kevin Welch   Composer
Kim Williams   Composer
Frank Dycus   Composer
Casey Beathard   Composer
Jamie O'Hara   Composer
Greg Droman   Mixing,Engineer
Del Shannon   Composer
Rivers Rutherford   Composer
Max Crook   Composer
Mike Huffman   Composer
Michael Huffman   Composer
Kent Maxon   Composer
Houston Robert   Composer
Hank Williams   Mastering
Wynn Varble   Composer