"AN INDEPENDENT VIEW"
 By: Linda Fryer, BMI,CLA
© February 1, 2002

"IT'S LONG OVERDUE"
ARTIST: TROY COOK, JR.
ALBUM: "IT'S LONG OVERDUE"
RECORD LABEL: STARDUST RECORDS INTERNATIONAL
PRODUCER: COLONEL BUSTER DOSS
It hasn't been too long since the last time I wrote about Troy Cook, Jr., but his newest album, "It's Long Overdue", has proven to me and to the rest of the world that he's got what it takes to be a real success in this business. He's already getting tons of airplay, AND attention, in the European market with this one. And his career seems to be moving full steam ahead here in the states, too. Talent, honesty, heart, and a willingness to work very hard, is what it takes. He's got all of that, and more. No one will doubt his honesty and heart, when they hear the music on this CD. Each song tells a story, and Troy knows what every word means, and conveys the message loud and clear. He's young, and can't possibly have lived everything all the songs tell us about, but he seems to have studied the lyrics in a way that helped him understand the true meaning of each one. And when you listen to Troy sing them, you understand them, too. Not every artist out there can do that. Not every artist out there WANTS to do it….they don't take the time, or they feel their voice is their gift to the world, and they don't need to understand anything else. But like I've said so many times, if you can't FEEL the song, then you won't really enjoy it, or appreciate it, and neither will your audience. If it doesn't move you, in some way, the minute the song is over, well…its OVER! And you can't sell albums that way. I want to hear music that sticks to my gut. Songs that take me away with them, and let me forget what's going on around me, and just be in the music. When I DO hear music in that way, then I can tell you, I KNOW I've heard some REAL music. And I usually walk away feeling like I've been MORE than entertained…I've been TREATED. This album is an example of that.
Troy sings some great tunes on this CD…one of my favorites is ""She Loves Romance" (D.Atkins/J.Stewart) It's a beautiful song, with simple lyrics that mean SO much. I hope Troy will remember this one, as he moves along in his life. in fact, I hope every guy out there will take a lesson from THIS one! J okok, I won't get personal and preachy here, but hey guys, this really DOES tell a true story! And I know all the gals out there will agree with me.

Another wonderful tune on this album, is the title track, "It's Long Overdue". And I'm very glad that it's the very first track on the CD. Why? Because I think a lot of times, the first track is the all important catcher track. If someone hears an artist for the first time, and they don't like the first song…well, it can be all over. They've been given their first impression…and as you know, first impressions are, indeed, LASTING impressions. It was a smart move to put it on the album first. Someone knew that…hmmm…I wonder if the Colonel had anything to do with that?! J I bet he did. He knows what works and what doesn't. He's had a lot of experience, and is a great producer, too.
Speaking of producers, I think this album has an excellent production value, and it's PURE country. No one will doubt that, and everyone will be grateful for it,
too. When you buy a album that's been clearly classified as 'country', you don't want any surprises. Not the kind that suddenly makes you wonder if this is really the album you THOUGHT you were buying. Believe me, Troy is REALLY country, and he proves it here. Another favorite, and believe me, its hard to pick favorites on this new album, is "If Only I Were There". WOW. This is a very touching song, and Troy knows how to deliver the goods. I LOVED this song! It closes the album, but NOT if I have my finger on the 'repeat' button!
I hope, sincerely, that Troy will become a household word. And, as usual, I worry about the "celebrity" that comes with stardom, but if an artist has the right folks around them, and can keep their wits about them, they should be able to handle that. I think Troy definitely has the right people around him. He's surrounded by folks who care about him, and his career. Now, it's up to Troy to decide whether or not he uses his talent in the best way possible. He has to decide how hard he wants to work, how far he wants to go, and how his life will be effected by what the future holds for him. I kinda have a feeling he'll make the right choices. He has so far. And we, the fans, are lucky to have a guy like this to entertain us. "Good luck, Troy. You're doin' great! And thanks for letting me be a small part of it all!" And this has been…