Ya'll know that bit. Here's the story you probably don't know: the wonderful music The Ranch made.

Yeah, Urban's the frontman, but he isn't the only one. Drummer Peter Clarke and bassist Jerry Flowers add their own bits of talent, combinbing with Urban's guitar/ganjo licks into one musical, terrific sound.

Now, even people who don't like KU will like this CD. Why? 'Cause it's more "country" than Urban's two CD's. It still has that rockin' edge that KU fans (like myself) enjoy, but it also has a traditional appeal...like, for example, "Just Some Love," a song that was taken right out of the cliched mid-90's. How about "Homespun Love" (I heard someone else singing this one on the radio recently, I think) about rednecks in love?

For blues fans, there's "Ghost in This Guitar," a haunting ballad of a (white) student and his (black) guitar instructor in a racist town. For the rockibilly enthusiasts, there's "Some Days You Gotta Dance" (later massacred by the Dixie Chicks on their "Fly" album), about cutting lose, and the instrumental "Clutterbilly."

"Walkin' the Country" and "Freedom's Finally Mine" have predominate rock sound. "Desiree", my personal favorite, is an emotional look at a man leaving a relationship because he's come to terms with the fact that his love is not reciprocated. "Man of the House" follows a similar vein. "Billy" is a rockin' look at a man who's doin time for murder, because the narrator of the song knows some things, "but no one ever asked." The remake of "Stuck in the Middle" is, dare I say, better than the original.

There're some highs here, and there're some lows. Some of the lyrics will make you cringe; other songs, such as "Billy", "Desiree," and "Ghost in This Guitar" are poetry set to music. Urban's guitar licks are impressive; Flowers and Clarke are also superb performers.

Why The Ranch didn't make it, I'll never know. But with this reissue, we get the chance to relive the past. Take the opportunity and buy this CD; and then maybe you'll know where Keith Urban is coming from.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:


Keith Urban - The Ranch  Nov 26, 2004 By Tami King
This album is highly overlooked in my opinion. It's a fabulous album. Why it never took off is beyond me! It is a wonderful album. I have everyone of Keiths Cd's and am so glad that I ended up adding this one to my collection. My favorite songs on this album are "Some days you gotta dance", "Walkin' the country", "just some love","homespun Love." They all are really good, but those are the ones I like the best. Don't pass this album up, it's truly a terrifc album that you will reach for again and again. Experience the early Keith Urban. This is where his real roots are. He will only continue to expand on this in the coming years. Lets make this one a platinum one for Keith!!!!!!!!!

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Must have For Keith Fanatics!  Aug 17, 2005 By Melzy "~Music Lover~"
I have been an avid Keith Urban listener since his first album. When I saw that he had an older album out, I thought I'd give it a try. I was leery, because I know that sometimes the early albums arn't as honed as an artists more well known albums.

But I must say, that Keith was as great as he is now. More country than his newer albums, but still great by any means.

This album also covers a well loved song sung by the Dixie Chicks also, Some Days You Gotta Dance. This is actually a better version in my opinion. Keith just brings pure joy to any song that he sings.

There really isn't a bad song on this album. It's very up beat and makes you want to tap your toes.

It's deffinately worth getting to add to your collection. It's guaranteed to put you in a better mood than you were before you listened to it!

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


great cd!  Oct 13, 2004 By Patty
I absolutely love this cd. Every song is unique and has a great beat. The musicianship is outstanding and I love the extra songs & videos. I give this cd a 5.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


actually, the ranch was SUPPOSED to be the "country" Police  Sep 20, 2004 By scott edward phelps "scottedwardp"
just a quick note to share with all of you that when Miles Copeland got involved with Keith and the guys, the intention was, in fact, to try and create a sort of country flavored Police, because of Copeland's Police connection...It didnt turn out that way and Keith has made a pretty big solo name for himself, but I think the guys definitely could have filled an interesting niche....and just so you know, I admit outright that I have a vested interest as my friend Cyril Rawson and I wrote "Just Some Love" which the guys did so nicely on the record...I hope they get rediscovered to the point that Cyril and I can write our next hit for them in our beach houses in Malibu!!...in the meantime, best of luck to them all...and I hope all of you enjoy the CD.........


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