I remember the first time I heard Garth Brooks on the radio. I somehow knew I had just heard a voice that would be around for a long time. I felt the same feeling when I heard Matt Thigpen. Set aside hard work, great management, and just incredible luck, and I’ll stack Matt Thigpen’s talent up against Kenny Chesney, Garth, or Steven Holy any day. Thigpen offers up his debut CD Gone To Texas (mdt) and it’s a winner. Wonderfully produced by Thigpen and Jason Manning, this disc has no excuses for not being certified a Gold Record, maybe even Platinum. If you’re reading this, and you’re a record company exec, don’t let this one get away. Matt Thigpen creates a classic with “Used To Be My Place To Cry” as he re-tells an age-old story in a refreshing new way. Thigpen shows diversity on “The Whiskey’s Lost Its Proof” and “First Your Money(Then She Goes)” written by Manning/McDaniel and Thigpen respectively. Both are hits in the making. This CD holds great treasures for true country music fans, including a long-overdue vocally sound rendition of Robert Earl Keen’s “Leavin’ Tennessee.” I will now remember the first time I heard Matt Thigpen, and ask myself... Garth who? Further proof in the pudding: Matt has just thrilled his fans (and us!) by releasing his sophomore project, "Way Past Waco", expertly produced by Davin James. This incredible follow-up to "Gone To Texas" is an excellent reminder that Wharton, Texas has churned out one heck of a Texas performer. You’re going to be the next Matt Thigpen fan just as soon as you order one or both of these incredible CDs.