Adam Gregory, “What It Takes”

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

13 Comments

  1. I’ve been a fan of his for a while now up here in Canada, but I’ve got to say that the two singles he’s put out in the states are a little dissapointing. I like them, they’re not bad, They’re just not his best. Hope it does well anyway I want to hear new music from him.

  2. Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to be an Adam Gregory fan. This is basically a list-song rewrite of that Enrique Iglesias song “Hero” (even down to the egg shaker) and is not really any more “country.” I’d much prefer radio to just let this be.

  3. I think the two singles so far are not quite representative of Adam Gregory as an artist. I enjoy some of his releases in Canada better.

  4. Oh, that reminds me: Bradley Walker was instrumental in getting Joey + Rory hooked up with producer Carl Jackson and he has some harmony vocals on their new album. So if you’re not on-board yet…

  5. I’m still sad that I had to miss the show that J+R did with Walker in Tennessee. If I ever move, that’s where I’m going, I swear.

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