David Nail

David Nail, 'The Sound of a Million Dreams'
Our rating: 3 and 1/2 stars

This Missouri native's voice is imbued with a little texture, a little twang and a lot of casual assurance, reminiscent of blue-eyed soul purveyors like Tony Joe White. While his sophomore album features songwriting by Keith Urban and two-thirds of Lady Antebellum, and "Let It Rain" is still climbing the country charts, overall its sound hews closer to roots rock and '70s crossover classics than one-size-fits-all modern Nashville fare: With its pounding piano, rousing opener "Grandpa's Farm" could pass for a Leon Russell outtake. If Nail doesn't become a big star, it won't be for lack of taste or talent. - K.B.R.