While his friends are impressed that he’s taking his break up in stride, the guy in this song admits that he isn’t doing so well. In reality, the dissolution of the relationship has left him “invisibly shaken”, as the title suggests. When a time comes that the girl wants him back, he is outwardly strong enough to resist the temptation, because he knows from experience that she’ll just break his heart again.
After four light hearted fast to mid tempo songs that employed the modern sounds of country music, “Invisibly Shaken” shows a completely different side of Rodney Atkins. Instead of the usual drums and electric guitars, Atkins strips down this decidedly slow recording so that the piano is the prominent instrument, which successfully sets the moody tone of the song.
Atkins delivers a strong vocal performance that will likely add another hit to his growing collection. With any luck, it will even become the fifth number one single from one album.
Written by Rodney Atkins & Billy Kirsch
Grade: B+
Listen: Invisibly Shaken
Buy: Invisibly Shaken
This is my absolute favorite song from his album. Which, considering the chart fates of most of my other favorite songs, means it won’t go that high, unfortunately.
this song stood out on the cd because it was the first slow song out of only two on the cd, because it was the only love song (except for a drinking one). mainly though, it stood out because of how vunerable he sounds. this shows a whole different side of what he is capable of. it is also a great example of choicing what is best for yourself
It’s Rodney’s convincing vulnerability in this song that could make it 5 straight big hits for him off his current album. While I agree that this song might need a little luck to get to #1, I don’t think it will need that much.
This song does stick out on the album because it is a lot different from the rest of the songs. His album, in my opinion, is one of the best “current” albums out there. This also means that he will have a big task ahead in making his next album because there’s going to be a lot of expectations.
I am somewhat baffled by Rodney Atkin’s success. ‘If Your Going Through Hell’ was a catchy tune and was deserving of the no.1 spot, but I felt ‘Watching You’ and ‘These Are My People’ were a bit lame and don’t get me started on ‘Cleaning This Gun’.
I would be staggered if he could make it five straight no.1’s with this. To think the likes of Dwight Yoakam and Travis Tritt are never heard on the radio and this guy, who is an average singer at the best (very much in the McGraw mould) has become a big star over the last couple years says it all really…
DL:
Watching You was one of the most important songs of last year. The very basic message of being a role model is an important one so often lost in the “Big and Rich” era of drinking songs.
I’ll give you that Rodney is an average singer or worse in concert, but his albums sound great and we all grew soooo tired of Travis Tritt’s act years ago.
I, personally, am not tired of Travis Tritt’s act. I’d like to hear more voices like his in today’s country music.
David,
Is Garth Brooks an “average singer?” Yep. I’d even argue that good ol’ king George Strait is an ‘average singer.’ But they’re not average talents. Their talent covers more than vocals. They have an ear for great songs with catchy hooks and certainly can perform well. Rodney may not be in Garth or George’s exclusive league, but he knows a well-written song and certainly knew what worked for him.
Dwight Yoakam is a good singer to most people (me included) but some would argue that he’s no better than Rodney. It’s all subjective. Personally, I first heard this one on a Lee Greenwood record and despite liking the song, doubt it’ll be a #1 hit. He’d have been better off releasing another ‘tempo’ song.
Are you serious? You heard this on a Lee Greenwood record? No wonder you’re unsure about its success.:)
As for Dwight, I used to hate his voice when I was a kid. Now, though, I can’t get enough. It’s funny how tastes change. I remember reading somewhere that when Johnny Cash was asked who he thought was the best vocalist of that time, he said that he thought it was Dwight. Of course, that’s just one man’s opinion. I was just throwing that useless piece of trivia out there.
Sure enough, Greenwood does sing a version of this song. I listened to a short clip of it on amazon and it’s not too bad, really. Who knew this song has been around for at least five years? I guess true Atkins fans probably knew.
Rodney has outdone himself again, this looks like a song that could be and hopefully will be his fifth number one song off of just one album
I hate to disagree with some of the things being said but I have seen Rodney three times and was never disappointed by him or his voice. He is the same on the stage as he is on the album or as close as anyone can get. In this modern era of music any singer is gonna sound better on CD than in concert. With that this is a great song and although I have nothing against Lee Greenwood’s version in this case the remake is far superior. Rodney’s comanding voice lifts this song to a high level.
Dayyum!!!!!!!!!! He is so hott!!!!! The vulnerability you can hear in his voice throughout this song is truly genuine! I am a completely loyal fan! Not only does he have an amazing voice, but he is veryy good to look at too!
Well, this is done. Four straight Number Ones, including two singles of the year in a row, and this stalls at #41. Damn you, Curb Records!