Adkins's real-life blue-collar past imbues "Thankful Man" with a believability missing when such songs wind up in the hands of singers from middle-class college backgrounds. The hit "I'm Tryin'," a simple inspirational message wrapped in a complex arrangement, possesses strength and integrity too rarely seen in hit singles. Graced with one of 2001's most distinct voices, Adkins begins by sinking his leathery growl into the title number-a rap track, but one possessing enough wit to avoid falling into gimmickry. The message? One can make a record that reconciles the normally disparate virtues of commerciality and honesty. The excruciating anguish of "Help Me Understand" and the self-explanatory "Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow" exemplify power ballads done right. While keeping the otherwise mundane "Scream" and "Once a Fool Ago" above water, he rises above the norm with "I'm Goin' Back." This take on the timeless country-boy-hates-the-big-city scenario succeeds on every level, even if the word "discern" seems a bit out of place.
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