[Many of those early relationships remain strong: Anderson's debut disc was co-produced by hit songwriter Jeffrey Steele and John Rich of Big & Rich.] I've been writing and working with Jeff and John for five years or more, so it was very natural in the studio, ... I think the whole creative process was different because we all ... know what works for us vocally and musically on stage as well as in the studio. I don't care how great the recording is, if you can't reproduce the sound and energy on stage it's a worthless cause.