Country music isn’t my favorite genre of music overall, but I do listen to a fair amount of it.  Some of it I like; some of it I don’t. Many country songs tell a good story, and many country singers have nice voices. Admittedly, almost all the country music I listen to is pop-country or ‘countrypolitan’.

My favorite country singer is Tim McGraw. McGraw always tells a good story and has a good voice. Like his previous albums, his latest “Emotional Traffic” reflects that.  McGraw says it’s his ‘best album’, but that’s a bit of a stretch. It does, however, rank with his best work.

“Emotional Traffic” is short and sweet.  It has twelve songs that are 3-4 minutes along. Almost all of the songs are excellent or quite good. Country isn’t the only style of music found on this album. There are touches of rock and even R&B on this album. As with McGraw’s previous albums, there are both upbeat, fun songs and emotional ballads.

The lyrics reflect the trials and tribulations of middle class, small town Americans. The range of emotions in this album varies. The first track, “Halo”, is a lyrically complex, somber song that tells the story of a troubled relationship. The next song is “Right Back Atcha Babe”, an uptempo song about a joyeous relationship. “Touchdown Jesus” and “The One” are also nice, catchy upbeat tracks.

“Better Than I Used to Be” is a reflective ballad from the perspective of a man who has made mistakes in the past, but is slowly becoming a better man.  “One Part, Two Part” is a cover an R&B song from the 60s that incorporates funky guitar riffs.  “I Will Not Fall Down”, “The One That Got Away”, and “Die By My Own Hand” are mid-tempo country songs with tinges of Coldplay-style rock. “Only Human” is a duet featuring Tim McGraw and contemporary R& B singer Ne-Yo.

“Emotional Traffic” is another winner in Tim McGraw’s catalog and will be considered one of the best country album of 2012.