The Coast Is Clear again demonstrates that
Tracy Lawrence was one of the finest new honky tonkers of the '90s.
Lawrence can wring tremendous emotion out of a song, adding nuances that give each line heart-tugging resonance. Unfortunately, his material is not the equal of his skills. Although there are bright spots, such as "Livin' in Black and White," about half of the record is saddled with pedestrian material performed without style. Try as he may,
Lawrence cannot bring material of this level to life. Still,
The Coast Is Clear remains a winning record, since
Lawrence sings well no matter what the material, and when he is given a good song, the results are first-rate. ~ Thom Owens