I bought this CD about 3 months ago and didn't really like it as much as his others on the first listen. I just gave it another chance, and I can't get it out of the CD player! This guy is a song writing genius. EVERY song on this album will speak to you if you let it. I just spent 4 hours driving back from the lake and never took it out of the player, in fact I rewound several of the songs MANY times. I just can't say enough good things about this man, I just hope that he is embrassed by others without being wrapped up in the Nashville scene.

great cd, i just wish he'd put out another soon

This CD takes a little longer to really tackle than Max's earlier CDs, but that is a good thing. it is deeper, cleaner, and the songwriting is just wonderful. Strong recommend from me for anyone that appreciates western music, traditional country, folk music, etc.

the song aint fallin in love with you tonight is top notch. This CD (Album, collection of songs if you will) is terrific

With "One of the Ways," singer-songwriter Max Stalling has not only proven his staying power in the music business, but his ability to rise to the top. "One of the Ways," is his most personal chronicle to date, and the introspective writing that Stalling exudes in every song shows a more artistic side not seen as frequently on his first two releases. His use of different writing styles, rhyme schemes, and delivery of lines create a groove that follows perfectly with the gentle production of Bruce Robison. The instrumentation of the record provides Stalling with a perfect background to deliver his poignant lyrics and touching narratives. Standing out on the record is track 10, "Probably Corsicana." In the song, Stalling chronicles the weariness and second guessing that a traveling musician faces in taking his music to the people..."Why does it always have to be the way it goes/You're dying of thirst or drinking from a firehose/I guess it's like love or religion in that it's about keeping faith." These lines hauntily echo the trials faced both physically and mentally while on the road. The lyrics and production on "Probably Corsicana" make it feel as though it is the sequel to Jackson Browne's monumental "Running On Empty" record. Scanning the rest of "One of The Ways," listeners will find themselves lost in the narrative love tale of "Lying Here at Three," a simple tune about being hopelessly distracted by someone who has stolen your heart and wanting nothing more than to wrap yourself in their world. On this tune, the warm and wonderful Bruce Robison feel can definately be felt throughout the song. The last track on the record, "The Girl By The Lake," is a ballad seemingly straight from the pages of a Townes Van Zandt writing notebook. Tackling issues of trust, love, heartbreak and loss seem an easy task for Stalling, who handles this task with lyrical grace and deadly accuracy. Max Stalling shows, with "One of The Ways," that he has taken on the role of full time artist/songwriter and- with this role- he has proven that he is capable of creating words that touch. For fans of his earlier work, you will be completely enamored with his latest release; for anyone who has yet to discover this diamond in the rough, buy "One of the Ways" and let Max Stalling capture your mind with his descriptions of life.

I was a little slow to warm to this album since I was expecting the same type of songs from Comfort in the Curves and Wide Afternoon. My initial impression was that Bruce rubbed off on Max and the album was very mellow. After listening to the lyrics and melodies though I was hooked. The instruments are clean, the lyrics meaningful and overall a pleasant peice of music to enjoy. I highly recommend it to everyone.

A different style for Max but he continues to wow me with his unique approach to song writing. He is a lyrical genius.

Max Stalling's latest CD, "One Of The Ways", is his best effort to date. The songs continue the stories started with "Comfort In The Curves" and followed with "Wide Afternoon". Some old friends from these songs reappear, as well as some haunting new melodies. Grab this CD now!