Album: Western Underground

Introduction
"Western Underground" is the 27th studio album launched in 1991 by the late American country music singer-songwriter, and rodeo champion, Chris LeDoux. It marked his first venture into a higher level of production standards, polished sound, and wider industrial appeal, leading to his most successful album to date. The album encapsulates LeDoux's genuine cowboy lifestyle, love for rodeo, and affinity for western folklore, in addition to styles of love, loss, and nostalgia. "Western Underground" consists of hit songs such as "Whatcha Gon na Do with a Cowboy", and "Cadillac Ranch", which got considerable chart positions on Billboard's Hot Country Songs.

Background and Recording
Chris LeDoux was a real-life cowboy and rodeo champ turned country music artist who had actually already established himself with a dedicated fan base by separately launching a series of albums throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, focused on cowboy themes and rodeo life. Nevertheless, it was not up until fellow nation star Garth Brooks discussed LeDoux in his 1989 blockbuster "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)" that he got prevalent acknowledgment, eventually leading to a recording agreement with Capitol Nashville.

"Western Underground" was produced by Jimmy Bowen, among Nashville's many renowned manufacturers of the time, who was known for dealing with artists such as Hank Williams Jr., Reba McEntire, and George Strait. With Bowen at the helm, LeDoux took pleasure in a polished and more commercial-friendly sound, without jeopardizing his signature cowboy credibility.

Music and Lyrics
The album features a mix of positive, honky-tonk tunes and sincere ballads, all infused with LeDoux's cowboy spirit and storytelling expertise. From the opening track, "County Fair", LeDoux carries listeners to the world of small-town rodeos, with vibrant descriptions of the crowd, occasions, and his love for the rodeo life. This style of the rodeo continues throughout the album with tracks such as "Riding for a Fall" and "Shot Full of Love".

LeDoux also provides a glimpse into his vulnerable side with deeply psychological tracks such as "Settin' the Woods on Fire", a mellow and introspective take a look at the troubles of dealing with a broken heart. While the track "For Your Love", showcases his romantic side with a tender declaration of love.

Among the standout tracks is the upbeat and appealing "Whatcha Gon na Do with a Cowboy", a duet with Garth Brooks that reached No. 7 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. This was followed by another single, "Cadillac Ranch", a vibrant honky-tonk anthem that reached No. 18.

Tradition and Impact
"Western Underground" marked Chris LeDoux's major-label debut and became his very first album to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, peaking at No. 36. Not only did this album cement LeDoux's place in traditional country music, but it also added to the resurgence of the cowboy lifestyle and rodeo culture in popular music.

The album showcases LeDoux's distinct capability to blend traditional nation aspects with modern production, while remaining true to his real cowboy roots. "Western Underground" captures the essence of LeDoux's life, proving that he was one of the last authentic cowboy talents, and positions LeDoux as an essential part of the 1990s country music scene.

Chris LeDoux's profession was interrupted when he died in 2005. However, his tradition continues to survive on through his music, especially through "Western Underground", which stays an essential milestone in his discography and a treasured classic amongst c and w fans.