Track Listing

1. Why Ain't I Running
2. Beer Run (duet with George Jones)
3. Wrapped Up In You
4. The Storm
5. Thicker Than Blood
6. Big Money
7. Squeeze Me In (duet with Trisha Yearwood)
8. Mr.Midnight
9. Pushing Up Daises
10. Rodeo Or Mexico
11. Don't Cross The River
12. When You Come Back To Me Again

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43365 in Music
• Released on: 2001-11-13
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Nearly a decade ago, Garth Brooks's ability to incorporate '70s pop material and arena rock into his act made history (and controversy) as he propelled country to its pinnacle of success. One fact remains in 2001. When he simply rears back and sings (in the spirit of longtime pal Chris LeDoux), the results are often fresh and natural. That's the case on the Beatle-esque "Wrapped Up in You," "Thicker Than Blood," and the trite but catchy blue-collar bopper "Big Money." Alas, that slicker, more calculated material is never far away. Awash in melodrama, "The Storm" (a bathos-ridden variant on "The Thunder Rolls"), "Mr. Midnight," and "Pushing Up Daisies" each run four-plus minutes and seem longer. The hyperactive bluegrass romp "Don't Cross the River" seems less homage than a nod to the successful O Brother soundtrack. While duets with George Jones and Trisha Yearwood have merit, one wonders who really needs who. All this might have been cutting edge in 1992. Now it simply seems long in the tooth. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

When you come back to me again
Boguht this CD just for the last track 12 When you come back to me again. I first heard the song as it is the closing song in the movie "Frequency". Am not a real country fan but i really liked the song and wanted to own it from the getgo.

Was pleasantly surprised with other songs included in this CD
3. Wrapped Up In You (fast, catchy, my 3 yr old son and i love to singalong in the car)
5. Thicker Than Blood
8. Mr.Midnight

It gets a 4 from me because i got what i wanted. Track 12

Great Garth
Garth Brooks 2001 CD Scarecrow was the last studio album he released before retiring from recording and touring. Fortunately he has released some new songs in the last few years, and even performed some shows. This CD showed Garth at the peak of his talents. Scarecrow features the following tunes:

1. Why Ain't I Running 3/5
2. Beer Run (B-Double E-Double Are You In?) w/ George Jones 4/5
3. Wrapped Up in You 4/5
4. Storm 3/5
5. Thicker Than Blood 3/5
6. Big Money 3/5
7. Squeeze Me In - w/ Trisha Yearwood 4/5
8. Mr. Midnight 5/5
9. Pushing Up Daisies 4/5
10. Rodeo or Mexico 3/5
11. Don't Cross the River 3/5
12. When You Come Back to Me Again [Theme from "Frequency"] 5/5

Back to Basics: Rested and Ready
Garth Brook's 'Scarecrow' is simply one of his best C.D.'s. It's true that the songs individually aren't as big as most of those on 'The Hits' collection, but together it is a genuine classic--even though there are more subdued moments within.

"Why Ain't I Running" heralds the album with progressive guitars that helped establish Garth as the king of "hot new country". While "Wrapped up in You" has to be as pop-pleasing as Garth gets. However, "Beer Run" is an even better representation of Garth country. Singing a duet with George Jones and accompanied by skillful fiddling, Garth delivers his best song. The caliber of the album is also broadened on "Squeeze Me In," which he sings with then-girlfriend Trisha Yearwood. (This spirited selection is even more worthwhile than their duet, "Love Will Always Win" on the more recent 'Lost Sessions' C.D.) The musicianship is more carefully presented than many of his mid-career works, but the writing is particularly good on "The Storm," with its tender tale and its extended metaphor about family squabbles. His beautiful and eloquent peace song, "Thicker than Blood" illustrates how consistently he is true to himself. "Thicker than Blood" is a spare and tender song with fine and simple lyrics, but "Big Money" is as bottom-line as he gets, musically or lyrically. Whether progressive or traditional, Garth is genuine. Even his one remake "Don't Cross the River" is too good to be redundant.

Overall, the quality songwriting and the back up musicianship make 'Scarecrow' one of Brook's best harvests. Every bad thing is warded away-- except for the corn, and here, thankfully, there's plenty.