With his excellent third album, 'Smoke Rings In The Dark', Gary Allan found his artistic voice, one filled with torch and twang. Allan's always been true to the traditional country sounds of Buck and Merle, but this album finds him channeling Roy Orbison too, as well as the atmospheric feel of Chris Isaak's early records. The production on the CD is just outstanding, whether it's the barroom piano on 'Cowboy Blues', the gorgeous strings on 'Cryin' for Nothing' or the low, twangy guitar that permeates nearly every song, especially the moody title track. And Allan's voice has never sounded better - it's right up front, gritty and packed with emotion.