Hank Williams III

Damn Right Rebel Proud

Curb/EMI

Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

11/07/2008 4:00pm

Hank III's back with yet another album filled with his punkified country. Damn Right Rebel Proud is typical Williams and its tracks feature his usual swagger and lyrics meant to shock. Opener "The Grand Ole Opry (Ain't So Grand)" takes aim at a Nashville institution that Williams feels has (more often than not) given the snub to some of country's greats. It's a welcomed sentiment, and from there, things move through typical songs about drinking, fighting and causing shit. "P.F.F.," which stands for "Punch Fight Fuck," features a screamed dedication to poop enthusiast GG Allin, which, given the song's subject matter, makes it nothing short of hilarious. There are a few sad moments here and there, like the break-up track "I Wish I Knew" and "If You Can't Help Your Own," which is about family grudges. But things get a bit trying on "Candidate For Suicide" and "Stoned And Alone." It's hard to tell if the former is meant to be funny or not, which just makes it one hell of an awkward listen. The latter track is meant to be moving, but it just ends up being sad (in both senses of the word). While Damn Right Rebel Proud has its moments, it's definitely not Williams' best.