Gary Allan tries on optimism with his new single 'Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),' and surprisingly, it fits. The master of melancholy may be turning over a new leaf with his upcoming album. This song is borderline inspirational. 

Allan's last four albums have been titled 'Get Off on the Pain,' 'Living Hard,' 'Tough All Over' and 'See If I Care.' Admittedly, the California born country singer has a few more demons than most to prevent him from winning a Rose-Colored Glasses Award, but one is hopeful that after a tepid response to 'Get Off on the Pain,' he's ready to emerge from a thick protective skin. Early results are promising.

"I saw you standing in the middle of the thunder and lighting / I know you're feeling like you just can't win, but you're trying / It's hard to keep on keepin' on when you're being pushed around / Don't even know which way is up, you just keep spinnin' down, around, down," Allan sings to begin the song.

The downcast mood of this verse first is set by a haunting organ, effective but not obtrusive vocal reverb and picked electric guitar. It's the chorus that shines sunlight on his subject's dark day:

"Every storm runs, runs out of rain / Just like every dark night turns into day / Every heartache will fade away / Just like every storm runs, runs out of rain."

The female backing vocals could be turned down some, not because they lack integrity, but because they leave the song feeling like a strange duet. Despite a new perspective, 'Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)' doesn't shed the singer's natural sadness. Allan could sing the A-B-C's and leave a room wiping their eyes. This is no criticism, however, as it's his unique style and ability to mix gravel with rose petals that makes him such a treasured original. We want Allan to be a little sad, much like we want Merle Haggard to be a little bit ornery and Miranda Lambert to be a little bit crazy.

"Go find a new rose / Don't be afraid of the thorns / Cause we all have thorns," he sings during the second verse. The metaphor isn't an original one, but much like paintings of famous landscapes, it's this singer's original perspective that grabs one's attention. His memorable melody also helps, but it's the story of a man fighting through sorrow we'll remember from this new hit.

4 Stars
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Listen to Gary Allan, 'Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)'

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