When the Good Guys Win

When the Good Guys Win isn't billed as an explicit sequel to Remington, Granger Smith's 2016 major-label debut, but that's effectively what it is. Cut from the same sunny cloth as its predecessor, When the Good Guys Win feels like a throwback to country at the dawn of the 21st century: It's melodic and sweet with hints of arena rock, but not too much volume or rhythm. Even when he makes a slight feint toward the R&B sounds that dominate modern country-pop, Smith winds up steering himself back to an anthemic center. He is so inherently nice that his pro-second amendment redneck rallying cry "Don't Tread on Me" feels like it's delivered with a smile. Nevertheless, "Don't Tread on Me" is the most interesting thing on When the Good Guys Win, not least because it also features an appearance by his good old boy alter ego Earl Dibbles, Jr. -- it's unclear whether this is intended as a full-blown Earl Dibbles, Jr. track, and it's difficult to discern the vocal differences between the two -- because it's the only time that Smith doesn't sound like Kenny Chesney with no interest in visiting a beach. Such pleasantries make for a pleasant album, albeit one that tends to fade into the background. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine