After five albums-the double-platinum fourth was crowned Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music-the West Virginia favorite son has established a fresh sound and a distinct creative path. Rooted in traditional country sounds, yet as modern as a hybrid vehicle, Paisley's music draws on humor, sincerity, compassion, instrumental prowess and unique song topics to give him a style all his own.

"5th Gear is something you reach when you're on a long, good stretch and you're really rolling," Paisley says. "This album, and this time in my career, feels like that. We are pushing things further in every way-musically, lyrically and in our concerts."

Indeed, by this point, the multi-threat guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer has placed himself among the leaders of his generation of country music stars. He's been nominated for a whopping 38 CMA Awards since 2000, the year he won the Horizon Award. In 2006, besides winning Album of the Year for Time Well Wasted, he also took his third Musical Event of the Year honor, this time for "When I Get Where I'm Going," his hit duet with Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton. His streak continued into 2007, when he won the prestigious Top Male Vocalist honor at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Top Video ("Online") and Top Male Vocalist at the Country Music Association Awards.

A widely recognized guitar specialist who fills his songs with head-turning instrumental twists, Paisley is one of the few country artists who takes his own band into the studio for his recordings. Along with producer Frank Rogers, who has worked on all of his albums, he began work on 5th Gear the week after his triumphs at the CMA Awards. Paisley brought his Album of the Year trophy into the studio and set it on the console for everyone to see.