Big Hopes

by Thom OwensLike its predecessor Living in a Moment, Ty Herndon's third album Big Hopes comes as close to MOR rock and pop as it does to country. Beneath the glossy production, the music has subtle country roots, but often Herndon is closer to Don Henley than Merle Haggard. That may upset some purists, but by this point in his career, anyone interested in Herndon should know he isn't pure country. Those fans should be pleased by some of the cuts on this disc -- "A Man Holdin' On (To a Woman Lettin' Go)" is a good ballad, and "The Only Way I Know Is Better," and "Hands of a Working Man" are about as gritty as Herndon gets -- but they may be dismayed that the filler once again slightly outweighs the good stuff.