Tim McGraw: Sundown Heaven Town (Decca/Big Machine records)

IT’S been 20 years since Tim McGraw scored his first number one with a song called Don’t Take The Girl, and after achievements that are too many to mention, it has to be noted that his new release is his 13 studio album which adds to a string of multi-platinum albums, 54 top ten singles, multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association and filled to capacity venues.

Of the album’s title he says: “I picture a little town, like the one I grew up in, it’s late in the afternoon. Sunset. Maybe some kids are playing baseball, and their family members are in the stands.You’re at the point where the working work has given way to the weekend.That’s my idea of Sundown In A Heaven Town.”

From the first picking banjo riff of the opening track through to the dying strains of the last song McGraw has created his best album to date. There are guests in the shape of his wife, Faith Hill, his first cousin Catherine Dunn and his long-time friend Kid Rock. There are two versions of the release, one featuring 12 tracks, the other has 18 offerings. It’s sheer modern musical magic and worth adding to anyone’s CD collection.

Log on to the American Connection show from Saturday at americanconnection.euvue.co.uk to have a preview listen, when I feature it as Album Of The Week.