This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
“George Jones does not in any way condone drinking and driving,” reads the disclaimer in Possum’s new record. No more callers, please — we have now found the ultimate definition of irony.
Luckily, that’s the only slice of it you’ll find on this otherwise sure-footed and superb comeback disc from country’s reigning king of heartbreak. Like its title suggests, The Rock is a solid set of surefire winners that strikes a perfect balance of upbeat honky-tonkers (like I Got Everything and Around Here), love songs (like Honey Hush) and tear-in-yer-beer weepers (like Half Over You and the Vietnam Memorial ode 50,000 Names), making it Jones’ most consistent disc in years. The commercial drawing card, of course, is the kick-up-your-heels single Beer Run, a Garth Brooks duet and the basis for that disclaimer. Remember, “George asks: If you drink, do so responsibly.” Right — and Keith Richards reminds you to just say no to drugs.
