Country Universe – A Country Music Blog

5 Questions with Adam Gregory

Friday, November 7th, 2008

At only twenty-three years old, Adam Gregory has been performing for ten years in his native Canada. After arriving in Nashville in 2007, he signed a recording contract with Midas Records, who then reformed last year under indie powerhouse Big Machine Records. Earlier this year, Gregory reached the Top 40 with his first single, “Crazy Days,” and last month he released his second single, “What It Takes.” His yet-untitled debut album in the United States is slated for release in Spring 2009. Gregory called Country Universe earlier this week to provide a glimpse into the life and career of the Nashville newcomer.

Who is Adam Gregory as an artist? And which artists have inspired this direction?

I consider myself as just a guy who sticks to his roots and follows his own path and tries to find meaning in every song. I’ve co-written a lot of songs on the album, so I hope to put my own imprint and give it that extra attention because it’s coming from me and who I am. We think it’s a refreshing sound. We have something new to offer. It’s not a country twang. It’s more of a modern-day sounding music. But I grew up listening to Vince Gill. He’s such a great singer, and so humble. And of course, Garth Brooks and George Strait. He (Strait) has maintained a personal life and family and still had a great career. That’s what I aspire to do.

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Adam Gregory, “What It Takes”

Friday, October 31st, 2008

At just twenty-three years old, Adam Gregory has built a following in Nashville based on a soulful vocal style and a strong dose of melody. His first single, “Crazy Days,” dinted the charts, and now he’s expected to release his first full-length album on Big Machine in early 2009.

“What It Takes” is a smooth ballad that hints at Gregory’s potential, but only scratches the surface of it. Lyrically and melodically, it’s very similar to most of the content on country radio, and its theme is similar to Rascal Flatts’ “Take Me There.”  The character dares to delve into the past of his potential flame, and he expresses a desire to do “what it takes to be (her man).” Gregory possesses an expressive, gritty voice that takes ownership of the song, and although ”What It Takes” isn’t rocket science, it is vastly improved by his sense of presence on record. Stronger material and a little seasoning could prove successful for the Canadian singer, but this single is just a taste of his talent.

Grade: B

Written by Lee Brice, Greg Crowe, Adam Gregory, Kyle Jacobs and Joe Leathers

Listen: What It Takes

Adam Gregory, “Crazy Days”

Friday, September 5th, 2008

The introduction to newcomer Adam Gregory is an energetic one.  It’s a yearning for the simpler days, as told by a ready-made-for-radio voice.  Gregory’s voice has just enough hint of desperation to make this tale, one of true love losing its spark, seem believable.

The song is a bit unoriginal, but the quality of the production and the earnest nature of Gregory’s voice make it just a cut above the rest of country radio fare.

Grade: B-

Listen: Crazy Days