Every so often, my local country station deigned to play Paul Brandt's "I Do." Whenever I heard it, I turned up the volume and marveled at Paul's heart-felt rendering of dynamite lyrics ("I promise to be your best friend" is a line that says it all and says it well). Admittedly, I also wondered whether Paul's other material was as worthwhile as "I Do." Being naturally skepticial, I refrained time and again from purchasing any of his CDs (I've been burned in the past by so-called "one-hit wonders"). Then fate intervened. I met the girl of my dreams, the woman I knew I would some day marry. The very thought of marriage called to mind Paul's "I Do" (among other prospective wedding songs), and it was not long before I broke down and purchased "Calm Before the Storm." My impression after many listens? A very fine effort, indeed. Beyond the stirring "I Do," "I Meant to Do That" ranks highly in my book. What a beautiful, heart-breaking song. The title track likewise finds Paul in fine form, and "On the Inside" is a welcome song inasmuch as it points out that internal beauty is often more important than good looks alone. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this CD to anyone who has tired of the overexposed artists of contemporary country radio.