In a genre where men are typically flag-waving ruffians singing about cold beers and hot nights, one man is becoming a refreshing alternative. Country crooner Cooper Boone separates himself from his colleagues on a self-titled debut with songs that focus on people and storytelling.   

Boone's songs appear simple on the first listen, but if you delve deeper, you find complex meaning. It could be due to Boone's background as a psychologist but, simply put, Boone is a good lyricist.

Boone has been buzzing for a while now. He played sold out gigs at New York's famed Joe's Pub and appeared in publications such as USA Today and on morning shows from Minneapolis to New York.

His first single, appropriately titled "Cougar Dream," appealed to his target audience, middle-aged women,  and won Boone not only female fans, but also a Hollywood Music award. He continued this theme in "Sizzle," written through the eyes of a young boy who has a crush on an older woman.  These songs are passionate and have great music accompaniment to support Boone's booming vocals. They are also well written, slickly produced and, frankly, enjoyable to listen to.

Other highlights on the album include the Dave Matthews Band-flavored "Country Living" and the ballad "Mending Fences."

The album was released on August 1, through Boone's own Green Rooster Records, and is available on his website.