Trace Adkins Tests the Limits

Trace Adkins on the CMA Awards Red Carpet at "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.

Nov. 26, 2008 — During many phases of his career, music critics have tried to label Trace Adkins as a country-music traditionalist. He certainly likes hard-core country, but he’s refused to be limited by it since day one.

"When I first got a record deal, I said, 'I want to make records like Ronnie Milsap,'" he told The Tennessean. "He puts anything he wants to on there. There's R&B, there's gospel, there's pop and the traditional country stuff. He did whatever he wanted to do, and that's what I've always tried to do, too."

As a result, Trace has referenced numerous different styles, and that’s particularly true in his new album, X. The first single, "Muddy Water," has gospel overtones; "Till The Last Shot’s Fired" has a choral ending; and "Sweet" has a heavy dose of rock. X also runs through a diverse number of emotions, and it’s absolutely intentional.

"I hope my albums are a reflection of real life," he said. "Your life has balance where there are going to be those moments where you are sad about something. But hopefully the next day, or soon after that, there'll be a moment where you'll be happy. It's that roller-coaster ride that is life."

This weekend, Trace has a ride slated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will also feature Darius Rucker, James Taylor and Miley Cyrus. His new GAC special, Trace Adkins: X (Ten) Days, airs Saturday at 10 p.m. ET and Sunday at 2 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET. In addition, an encore edition of Opry Live will feature Trace with Martina McBride, Lee Greenwood and Wynonna Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.