In the two years since his first album, Unbreakable Heart, Michael Goodman has gone from the Million Dollar Quartet Broadway Tour to starring in a stage musical about Johnny Cash called Ring of Fire in Chicago. He's also picked up a middle name, or rather, it was there all along and he's begun using it. Growing up in Kentucky, his parents actually attended the same church as Bill Monroe and asked the bluegrass legend if they could name their son after him. As a youngster, Goodman would regularly be found backstage at The Opry when Monroe was on the bill but it wasn't until he began writing and playing himself that he realized how privileged he was.

However, this is not a bluegrass album, and doesn't ever try to be, even when a banjo is featured. This is roots-based honky tonk and traditional country, and I'd suggest that Goodman has grown enormously as a singer-songwriter since his previous release. There is a hefty nod to the Father of Bluegrass' Kentucky hometown in Rosine I Cry, but the title of the album is about what is important to the singer. "I'm proud to be American, I'm a committed Christian, and Bill Monroe has always been an inspiration. Maybe I'm carrying on those things Nashville left behind these days," he states, and the well-written title track manages to avoid being preachy and flag waving. I could imagine Alan Jackson cutting it and instantly his career back on track.

When Goodman sings the Waylon-esque I'm Just Country, that's exactly what he is, and he's proud of it. I can't tell you how much I loved the murderous intent of Wretched Woman, and I loved even more that it would be chosen to open the album. In complete contrast, Tinkerbell Love Song is about a father's joy at spending time with his young daughter, and I suspect is deeply personal, as are many of the songs here.

Drunk Again, about growing up with a father battling alcoholism, is a fast-paced banjo-led floorfiller with some insightful line like: "He swears he don't remember half the things he did, as for me I will never forget."

Goodman also sings about his mother in She Was Mine. With just an acoustic guitar for backing, it is touching, beautiful, and honest, "she might not have been the best in the world but she was mine". Standout track though, is Concerts In My Underwear, which doesn't refer to some nightmare, but rather to the singer playing 'private gigs' to his other half. It's fabulous and extremely country.

At times this reminded me of a slightly less-retro BR5-49 record, such as on the semi-rockabilly feel of Yay! Friday, and Goodman has really upped his game for his second outing. The more I played it the more I liked it. Possibly what he needs now is a break from the theatre productions and some extensive touring and then I can imagine him doing rather well at an Ameripolitan Awards. However, that might be regular Eastenders actor quitting a nice steady job in the hope of taking on Hollywood so maybe we can just enjoy Goodman's recorded work for now. I know I am.