Hank Williams III

“Straight to Hell” (Bruc Records)

Sounds like: George Jones, Roger Miller

REVIEW: 4 / 5

In short: Hank Williams III channels the outlaw country spirit of his legendary grandfather on his latest release.

After several forays into the world of heavy metal with Superjoint Ritual and Assjack, “Straight to Hell” sees the ever-volatile Hank Williams III digging deep into his traditional country roots. Sounding more like Hank Sr. than ever before, Williams offers up an exercise in classic country rebellion that will undoubtedly make posers like Toby Keith hang their heads in shame.

With tracks such as “My Drinkin’ Problem” and “Pills I Took,” Williams isn’t afraid to confront the darker side of life below the Bible belt. The singer’s lyrics pull no punches and are matched by a sparse production that harkens back to the days when country artists such as Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard would cut hit singles by day and carouse by night. The album climaxes with “Dick in Dixie,” a foul-mouthed anti-Memphis screed in which Williams declares “And if you know what I’m thinkin’/ You’ll know that pop country really sucks.”

On “Straight to Hell,” Williams gives all the wannabe outlaws making fools of themselves on CMT a much-needed kick in the Wranglers. You won’t find any novelty songs about tequila making a girl’s clothes come off or giving beer to horses. In a time when country music truly has degenerated into little more than pop with a twang, William’s crude lyrics and raucous attitude are just what the doctor ordered.

– Joshua Haun