POP MUSIC NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD

After a whirlwind year that included the release of its debut CD, well-received radio singles, more than 200 performances and a coveted Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” the men of 33Miles have created an incredible second set.

Encouraging listeners to live “every mile to the fullest,” One Life prescribes this mantra not only to 33Miles’ fans but to the trio’s personal lives as well. The record’s first single, “One Life to Love,” solidifies this mission with a poignant reminder: “You only get just one time around . . . One chance to find out the one thing you don’t want to miss.”

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With skin-tight harmonies and folksy tendencies (the dobro makes more than one guest appearance on One Life) 33Miles definitely shows signs of influence. “Gone” might as well have been recorded by supergroup Rascal Flatts with its combination of acoustic tinglings, slick production and so, so fine vocals. And with crisp harmonies and a pulsing acoustic “When It All Comes Down” pivots between Keith Urban and Avalon.

But before you judge these guys as just another pop-country wannabe, think about this:  Jason is a seasoned studio and touring vocalist. Chris turned down a scholarship to the famed Berklee College of Music to pursue the band. And Collin is only a semester short of earning his commercial music diploma from Nashville’s esteemed Belmont University.

And considering its expanding fanbase and chumminess with radio, 33Miles is bound to find its own niche sooner rather than later.

All comparisons aside, 33Miles is seriously good. One Life emits massive crossover appeal and, considering the wealth of musical enthusiasm the band showcases, 33Miles has music for many lifetimes to come. –Andrew Greer