BigMachine

Music Review: Big Dreams And High Hopes
Francis Petruziello

Jack Ingram is back and brings us his clever brand of country on Big Dreams And High Hopes. Free kicks things off with a toe-tapping playful number that has tons of vibrant fiddles, guitars and snares as he belts it out boldly. Barefoot And Crazy brings the tempo up a couple of feet as this disc's first hit gets you pumped and feeling extremely good as the melody-driven friendly refrains gets you singing along to this sweet summer love ditty. 

"That's A Man" is an inspirational tune that is a classic working man's or good soldier's song as it puts a perfect thought in your mind and a goosebump through your veins with the gritty licks and thrusting lyrics that will make you shout this one out aggressively. Legendary songstress Patty Griffin lends her skills alongside Jack's for a tender ballad; Seeing Stars as it's a nicely beautiful duet giving us a want to wish for something through tight accompaniments and great acoustics. He gets tongue and cheek with Barbie Doll as Dierks Bentley joins him on this ripping Bar song full of hot solos, slamming percussion and this awesome club atmosphere as they sing about this cold-hearted, good looking woman that will stop your pulse. Next is this releases title track as it starts as a surreal singer/songwriter opus with Ingram strumming along pouring out his soul to us as we listen to Big Dreams And High Hopes as a bookmark for what to expect in our futures if we keep on trying. 

"Man In Your Life" is possibly one of his most romantic cuts on here as harmonious riffs and pulsating drums rumbles like a stampede as this would be a great slow dance song at the local saloon. He ends this wonderful thing on In The Corner as it's quite different with its pop rock structures and his rich velvety baritone striking a cord with us. Jack Ingram definitely made the most of it with this album and we anticipate yet another chart-topper next time around.