Album Review of
Mending Fences

Written by Joe Ross
May 9, 2017 - 12:00am EDT
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A sumptuous, full sound and contemporary country charm emphasize well-penned themes of love sung by country up-and-comer Richard Lynch. “Mending Fences” is Lynch’s third project in four years, and the title cut reminds us that “love is like an old fence row, as time goes by there’ll be some holes.” “Back in Love Again,” a duet with Rhonda Vincent, is definitely an album highlight, and I’d like to hear more duets on future Lynch albums. To hear a song from the singer’s own pen, check out the rocking opener “Daddy’s Words.” He also draws material from other well-established Nashville songwriters such as JK Nick Nichols who contributed four songs like the radio single “Cut and Paste” and “In Over My Heart.” “Things You Shouldn’t Do” is a beautiful ballad that makes a poignant statement about how to deal with temptation. Looking for something classic? Lynch’s take on “Knock Three Times” nostalgically takes us back. Lynch states that the album is also a testament to the holes in real country music that he’s trying to fill. “Country Music Isn’t Country Anymore” is another interpretation on what’s becoming a rather common theme, and I enjoyed the many references to classic country artists and their songs in this new retelling of an old story. But the bottomline is that mainstream country should really like it. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)