Mark McGuinn - Mark McGuinn (CD)

All Music Guide

The debut, self-titled release by VFR recording artist Mark McGuinn combines an entertaining musical arrangement with solid songwriting. McGuinn, who has co-writing credits on ten of the album's 11 cuts, has managed to achieve a distinct country sound of his own without looking the part. Don't let the alternative, goateed visage on the cover fool you; banjos and fiddle are prominent throughout the collection beginning with "Mrs. Steven Rudy," the album's first single and decidedly strongest cut. McGuinn and his co-writers clearly have something to say in their writing. "Busy Signal" might strike a chord for those guys who just can't seem to figure out why that girl always has an excuse for him each time he calls, while "All About the Ride" reminds you that enjoying the ride is often more important than reaching your destination. Before deciding to pursue music full time, Mark McGuinn intended to be a professional soccer player.

- Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide