CHUCK RAGAN; "Gold Country" (Side One Dummy) ★★★1/2

When singer and guitarist Chuck Ragan left the Florida-based "emo-core" act Hot Water Music to become an alt-country, or "nu-folkie" artist, the move was met with a lot of skepticism from his longtime fans.

However, the resulting full-length — 2007's "Feast or Famine" — was one of that year's really pleasant surprises. Ragan's rough-around-the-edges vocal stylings suited the album's folkish protest songs and its country-ish ballads perfectly.

That makes it even more surprising that its follow-up, "Gold Country," finds Ragan making yet another great leap forward.

With support from producer/sideman Jon Gaunt, stand-up bass player Digger Barnes and Hot Water Music drummer George Rebelo, Ragan returns with an even-better batch of songs.

The plaintive salvation anthem "Let It Rain" is a standout, as is the harmony-rich "Glory" (which features backing vocals by members of the Anderson Family Bluegrass ensemble).

"Done and Done" may be more stripped-down but is no less satisfying, and "Get 'Em All Home" expresses a sympathy towards U.S. Army soldiers without becoming too political.

If Ragan's embracing of acoustic Americana does turn out to be his new musical calling, it wouldn't be a bad thing at all. In fact, a few narrow-minded fans might want to reconsider their stances about his career progress.

(Meanwhile, Ragan has also co-founded the folk/country-inspired Revival Tour, and is headlining this year's tour, which includes a stop in Salt Lake City Oct. 29.)

IF YOU GO …

What: Chuck Ragan, The Revival Tour

Where: In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South

When: Oct. 29, 7 p.m.

How much: $15.50

Phone: 801-359-3219, 801-467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.24tix.com, www.smithstix.com

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com