Alright, let’s dive into Stop And Think It Over Theres A Real Man by Ken Giles. Released back in ‘77 on Guinn Records, this album's got that classic country vibe with a touch of folk wisdom. If you’re into raw storytelling and heartfelt tunes, this one might just hit the spot.
First off, I gotta talk about the title track, “Stop And Think It Over.” Man, this song sticks with ya. It’s like sitting on a porch at sunset, sipping something cold while life slows down for a sec. The lyrics are simple but punchy—you know, those kinds of words that make you pause mid-sip and go, “Huh… yeah, he’s right.” Ken’s voice has this warm, gravelly texture that feels lived-in, like he ain’t just singing; he’s sharing pieces of his own mess-ups and lessons. You can almost picture him leaning into the mic, hoping someone out there listens and dodges the same mistakes he made.
Then there’s “There’s A Real Man.” This one’s a bit more upbeat, kinda like a pep talk wrapped in twangy guitar riffs. What gets me is how it flips the script on what being a “real man” means. Spoiler alert: it ain’t about flexing muscles or acting tough. Nope, Ken nails it when he talks about integrity, owning your actions, and treating people right. Honestly, hearing this in 2023 feels kind of refreshing because, let’s face it, we could all use a reminder to stop frontin’ so much and actually be. Plus, the harmonica solo? Chef’s kiss.
What makes this album stand out—even decades later—is its honesty. Ken doesn’t try to dazzle you with fancy production or over-the-top theatrics. He keeps it real, straight from the heart, and unapologetically human. That’s rare, especially these days when everything’s auto-tuned within an inch of its life.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that feels like chatting with an old friend who tells it like it is, give this one a spin. Sure, it’s not perfect—some tracks drag a little, and the mix is definitely vintage—but isn’t that part of the charm?
Oh, fun fact before I wrap this up: apparently, Ken self-released most of his stuff through Guinn Records. Like, imagine hauling crates of vinyl around in the ‘70s just to get your music heard. Talk about dedication! Makes me wonder if he ever thought some random person in 2023 would still be geeking out over his work. Anyway, check it out. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself stopping and thinking it over too.
