Much like he does on the lead single from 'How Country Feels,' Randy Houser forces you to smile on 'Runnin' Outta Moonlight.' His vocal performance demands attention and offers a pleasing reward in a story of two lovers enjoying a date in the country.

This is a case where the single -- the arrangement, production and vocal performance -- is better than the song, meaning the lyrics as they are written on paper. We've heard this same story 1,000 times, but it feels freshly pulled from a clean spring when Houser opens up.

"Don't you worry 'bout getting fixed up / When you wake up you're pretty enough / Look out your window at the cloud of dust / That's my headlights, that's my truck," he sings to begin 'Runnin' Outta Moonlight.' Thunderous drums and the hum of a Hammond organ create a landscape for which he paints a detailed picture.

"So come on baby don't you keep me waiting / I gotta go I got a reservation / Tailgate for two underneath the stars / Kiss on your lips when you're in my arms."

This would be an album cut at best for most Nashville singers, but Houser owns the performance. One gets just a little of his personality between each line. He's loose and carefree, but not sloppy. The mood matches the message.

"So come on baby let me take you on a night ride / Windows down sitting on my side / Tick tock now we're knocking on midnight / Me and you girl runnin' outta moonlight / I wanna hold you 'til the break of dawn / Hear the crickets sing a riverside love song / Hey baby all we got is all night / Come on now we're runnin' outta moonlight," he bellows during each chorus.

'Runnin' Outta Moonlight' will feel good this spring when most of America is able to replicate this scenic date night. It's not the signature track from 'How Country Feels,' but it's one that should find no trouble running up the radio airplay charts.

3.5 Stars
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Listen to Randy Houser, 'Runnin' Outta Moonlight'

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