Chuck Brimer
I'm Gonna Be Your Hero
Genre: Country
Style: Southern Rock, Indie Country
Label: Hot Plate Records

The Memphis sound is back, and its new name is Chuck Brimer.

"I'm Gonna Be Your Hero is the latest work of singer/songwriter Chuck Brimer. Hailing from North Carolina, Brimer's songwriting crosses musical boundaries between country, rock, and blues. The vocal styling ranges from clear and soft to the gravely energy we've come to expect from southern rock. Alternating tracks of driving rhythm with tracks of mellow sounds, this album is bound to please.

Opening with a tender power ballad, "Misty Moon" gives us an appetizer of the fun to come. "Baby, Let's Drive" follows; a rockin', toe tapping, cruising song with surprisingly introspective lyrics, and a hot horn section. By the end of the second track, Brimer has left us with no doubts that we are in good hands.

Though the productions are slightly uneven, it's hard to pick a favorite track. Each of the 13 songs are gems unto themselves. From the smokin' guitar work in "Little Ms. Parker" to the tender piano of "Still In Your Heart," each song is a keeper.

The only complaint I even have of this album is that he liner notes are hard to read, because of all the artwork set behind the text. But even that can be construed as a compliment. The only reason I even looked was so I could find the lyrics to sing along.

Some of the songs, such as "Little Ms. Parker" (with its wonderful twist ending) and "I'm Gonna Be Your Hero" (driven by a classic 'secret agent' bass line) just had me smiling and laughing at the clever and marvelously funny pictures they paint. Others, such as "Still In Your Heart" and "Small Ways" left me with a pleasant melancholy I've not felt since I first started dating. I was most impressed with the hidden depth of meaning in the lyrics of songs such as "Red Headed Girl" and "Baby Let's Drive." "Summer" is just a light, toe tapping, make you feel good all over song. It certainly made me long for the return of summer.

Other favorites of mine are "Till There Was you," a 60's style ballad with some tasty electric piano work, and "Beat Up, Broken & Bruised," a classic honky tonk blues tune. How can sad songs make you want to get up and dance? This one certainly does, though.

While it's obvious listening to the music that Brimer isn't afraid to take chances by crossing musical boundries, he's equally courageous in presenting his faith. Never preachy, his Christian roots still shine clear in the lyrics, especially the surprising last verse of "It Ain't What, But Who You Know." I was especially touched by his testimony of accepting Jesus Christ as his savior within the liner notes.

Following the directives of his faith, Brimer offers an amazing deal on his website. Sure, you can buy his album outright (and I highly recommend it if your tastes are tempted by southern music), he also lists a group of charities. If you donate to any one of them he'll send you a copy of the CD. Help folks out and get great tunes as a reward. How can you beat that?

"I'm Gonna Be Your Hero" has become a fast favorite of mine. It's been spun in at least three of my five CD players, and more than once in my car. If you like a little country in your rock, or a little rock in your country, this album is definitely worth it.

Chuck Brimer's music can be purchased at his website, and at CD Baby.