The Road & the Rodeo really begins with second track “The Road,” an up-tempo new traditional cut where Aaron Watson croons a narrative from the perspective of the road, personified. It’s clever, especially since most folks tend to sing about the road, rather than from the perspective of the road itself. A sleek cover of Tom Petty’s “Walls” follows with a glossy production that aims to contend with Nashville’s chart-toppers — not an easy feat considering that Watson’s red-dirt twang sounds more natural coming from a gritty Texas honky-tonk than a Music Row nightclub. “Bless Her Crazy Heart” makes much more sense with all its roots-y instrumental trimmings and references to runaway trains and insane girlfriends. Watson’s earnest take on Bruce Robison’s “Drivin’ All Night Long” makes for the perfect blend of roadhouse twang and radio polish.