Regardless of whether or not you have seen the movie Act of Valor, be sure to check out its music. The film was actually brought to my attention while I was listening to Jake Owen on Spotify, his song, “The Best I Can” came on, and I didn’t recognize from his past albums. I didn’t think much of this and then the next day I heard a new song from Trace Adkins, and soon realized that they were both from the same album. This prompted me to click on the link to hear the full album. It was absolutely incredible.
Artists that contributed to the album include Keith Urban, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Trace Adkins, Lori McKenna, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Kelley, Hunter Hayes, and Wynonna Judd. That’s quite a collection of music row’s finest, three of which I have previously dedicated posts to in this blog.
There is not a single song on the album that I do not think is excellent, but I do have my three favorites.
Number one, Trace Adkins – If the Sun Comes Up. The song starts with Trace hauntingly singing the words, “If the sun comes up without me tomorrow, if I leave this world tonight. Would you really know how much I care about you, or the way you changed my life?” The rawness of his voice it what makes this song so beautiful, as he almost speaks those first words. Then he tells his love, “Go on livin’, please find something you can put your heart into.”
This is my favorite song on the album hands down. Not just because of the heart breaking vocals, but also because the emotive lyrics. Trace tells a story better than any artist I know. He is able to get inside the soldier's head and really feel the pain and honesty in this wish the soldier has. When listening, you don’t hear a celebrity, you hear a soldier. He accomplishes with this song what I preach to be the most important part of music –he tells the story. It’s about the lyrics, not the pretty voice or the biggest note. One cannot listen to this song without tears steaming down.
Number two is Sugarland – Guide You Home. I found this song such a treat because it was something completely different from what we normally see from Sugarland. I feel as though they never release any music where Kristian Bush (the guy of the duo) sings anything other than background vocals. Jennifer Nettles is usually the one that takes the spotlight. In “Guide You Home,” Kristian starts the song off with a solo verse, and brings a kind of classic rock element to the song. The end result is a beautiful, burning, rock and country duet.
Third would have to be Montgomery Gentry – What It Takes. The lyric, “I was born more of a number and less of a name. I only tell my secrets when it’s time to pray,” is haunting to me. This song honors our heroes, speaking openly about their dedication and how they give up every last piece of themselves to protect their families and our nation.
Here is the trailer of the film if you are interested. It implements a very neat concept; all the navy seals in the movie are not actors, but rather real US Navy Seals, doing all their own stunt work and using their own weapons and stories. The music ties in perfectly with the idea behind the film. I personally have not seen the movie yet, but this soundtrack has motivated me to go buy a ticket. Enjoy.
Act of Valor movie trailer taken from YouTube
*Picture of album at top of page taken from Spotify.
