RANDY MONTANA

Randy Montana

[Mercury Nashville]

Clean-cut newcomer Randy Montana establishes himself as a genuine heir to the George Strait tradition on his self-titled debut. The 25-year-old New York native, as soft-spoken and mild-mannered as his obvious role model, owns a warm baritone and a winning knack for finding songs with indelible hooks. Montana, who co-wrote eight of the 11 tracks, spends a large chunk of the album on songs that express his sense of confusion and rootlessness. Whether sulking over a hellish breakup (“Burn These Matches”) or suffering through a 9-to-5 job (“Assembly Line”), he sounds ready and willing to rise above life’s challenges. The moody arrangements, more Tom Petty than neo-trad country, are fitting adornments for the tough stories he has to tell. Montana is smart enough to surround himself with worthy companions, too: Emmylou Harris lends her ethereal harmonies to the sadly gorgeous “Last Horse.” –Blake Boldt