Relentless

Description

On his sophomore CD, Jason Aldean, the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist for 2006, continues to rely on a proven formula--recording several John Rich co-writes, and reprising producer Michael Knox--while pushing harder on the rocking side of his Georgia roots. A platinum-seller his first time out, he stocks the new album with songs from reliable hitmakers (Brett James, Jim Collins, Tom Shapiro) to score at radio (watch for his duet with Miranda Lambert, "Grown Woman"), but also isn't afraid to get edgy ("Back in This Cigarette," about an anguished breakup). A serviceable baritone, a hat act with pierced ears, Aldean relies on attitude when all else fails, and it works. "Johnny Cash," his rocking ode to rebellion and rebirth, is the fastest-rising single of his career. --Alanna Nash