Rating: 5/10

C.C. Adcock's new album, Lafayette Marquis, has an upbeat sound, and the singer has one of those sexy, raw voices.

The music, although a good listen, is another neo-country pop album that attempts to be rock. It is catchy with an edge, but an overall pop version of modern blues rock. Adcock rocks his blues away, filling an only semi-hard, somewhat sweet sort of rock with guitar solos and twang.

In spite of this, the album deserves a round of applause for one factor: violins. Adcock's use of violins is not sappy, as in "I want to cry this is so beautiful," but instead a utilization of fiddling.

Stringed instruments create depth and add complexity to any type of music. A good fiddle song should be enough to put sunshine into anyone's heart. Even if a fiddle is only featured on one or two tracks on an album, the incorporation of this antique and whimsical instrument into contemporary music deserves praise. This is precisely what makes "Runaway Life" so damn special. It's the perfect mediator to the album's aggressive start and softer blues ending.

Another delightful song full of peppy fiddlin' is "I Love You," a do-si-do-worthy, cute little love ditty with a slice of soul.

In regard to the singer's sexy, raw voice and country feel, one influence comes to mind above all others: Johnny Lang. The vocals are definitely enjoyable, but the lyrics could use some work, due to their slightly cheesy nature. The last song, "Between the Lies," is dismissible. With lyrical turds like, "Time passes with love/Love passes with time," and " I took your heart and I meant to break it/But I only broke mine," anyone can see C.C.'s "poetical genius."

Listen to this album to hear a fun, light-hearted attempt at blues rock, not to seek lyrical inspiration and emotional empathy. Cheesy but fun lyrics such as, "Lord, have mercy" are scattered throughout this jovial album giving it a quasi-rock feel and a ho-down good time.

Even though Lafayette Marquis is less than true rock, the western edge and thoughtful riffs make it a worthwhile listen and create a happy, danceable atmosphere.

In fact, the perfect place for this album to be played would be a western rock bar like in "Coyote Ugly," with girls in cut-offs and cowboy boots and guys with long hair and leather dancing. Perfect. That, or around a campfire eating beans.