On The Download: Billy Currington At The Hollywood Bowl

Just like the title of his new album, “Enjoy Yourself,” says, Billy Currington seems to really be having a good time. The charming, curly haired country singer brought his easygoing sound to The Hollywood Bowl recently, opening for pop superstar Carrie Underwood, and he did not disappoint.

Dressed down in blue jeans, and a black t-shirt, the casual crooner put together a perfectly crafted playlist highlighting songs from all four of his albums. While shows with lots of theatrics and spectacles are fun, it’s refreshing to see a performer let the music take center stage. Having seen Currington in concert twice before, he seems to have found his stride and on this tour he’s coming off more confident and comfortable than ever.

Kicking things into gear, Currington performed an explosive rendition of the crowd pleasing “That’s How Country Boys Roll.” This was a smart move since it really made you feel the “country vibe” even in Hollywood.

I first took notice of Billy Currington when the incredibly catchy “I Got a Feelin’” was released in 2002. The scruffy-faced singer smiled in delight as the thousands of fans (including myself) recited the song word-for-word.

Currington delighted the crowd to “Love Done Gone,” a charming diddy from his newly released album “Enjoy Yourself.” Next up was Currington’s most recent number one smash, “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer,” which brought his fans to their feet, raising their glasses and playfully chanting along in no time. It’s on these kind of laid back, feel-good tunes that he really shines.

He slowed things down a bit rolling into the soulful “Let Me Down Easy,” his brand new single from the new album. I predict this to be a huge hit at country radio.

“People are Crazy,” Currington’s mellow, storytelling hit about an old gentleman and a young man’s conversation over a couple of beers was even more impressive live than I would have guessed. Currington obviously knows his popularity with the ladies and playfully changed the chorus to “Women are Crazy,” laughing at the screams that followed.

While it’s apparent that Currington is at home singing about fishing, drinking beer and cruising down dirt roads, vocally he’s never sounded better than on the sultry “Must Be Doing Something Right,” which happened to be his first ever number one single.

The only song missing from the set was “Don’t,” a personal favorite of mine from his 2008 release “Little Bit of Everything.”

He closed out his set with “Good Directions,” and had me (and the sold-out venue) wanting more!

— Anthony Ramos