This is the Jones album that everyone who ever heard George sing will agree is his best in quite awhile. As a fan I have collected over 40 of his albums, and while I treasure everyone of them, this goes to the front of the case. "Wild Irish Rose" shows that his voice is as strong as it has ever been, while "Over You" reflects the great emotion that he can bring to a song. "Over You" puts a lump in my throat everytime I hear it. If you like traditional ballads this is the album for you. It is a true shame that this artist and much of his best work will never get the air time it deserves.
Defining country music is difficult, but two words define it better than most - George Jones. More than anybody else in the last half century, he epitomises what the music is supposed to be all about. This particular album contains a lot of upbeat songs - not necessarily what you expect from George, but perhaps he was enjoying life at the time.
Of course, it would not really be a George Jones album without some weepies, and there are some here. The saddest song here is the opening Wild Irish rose, about a down and out drunk. Another very sad song is the sixties country song Don't touch me. Originally a huge country hit for the sadly forgotten Jeannie Seely, it is remarkable that George waited this long to record it, because it suits him ideally.
The title track features a star-studded guest line-up of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Bobby Bare, together with a Johnny Cash impersonator called Johnny Counterfeit. My guess is that Johnny Cash was probably ill or otherwise unable to attend the recording sessions, but his absence does not detract from the song.
Got to get to Louisiana features another guest, T Graham Brown. Other great upbeat songs include Small y'all, Smack dab and I said all that to say all this.
George was well into his sixties, but he sounds as good as ever on a great selection of songs. Fans of George's music will enjoy this album.
George Jones is a Legend in country music and music in general.he is a very talented man.this disc is a strong effort.his version of when did you stop loving me is great.i still love Marvin Gaye's version best of all but George Jones adds his style to it.the title track is good as well.he should be giving more respect than he is getting.he stays true to COUNTRY.
