John Michael Montgomery Album: “John Michael Montgomery”

Description :

Personnel: John Michael Montgomery (vocals); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Billy Joe Walker, Jr. (guitar); Brent Mason, Dann Huff (electric guitar); Rob Hajacos (fiddle); Dennis Salee (tenor saxophone); George Tidwell (trumpet); Barry Green (trombone); John Jarvis (piano); Bill Cuomo (synthesizer); Glenn Worf (bass); Lonnie Wilson (drums); John Wesley Ryles, Dennis Wilson, Harry Stinson (background vocals); Terry McMillan. Recorded at Sound Emporium, Nashville, Tennessee. JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Country Album. "I Can Love You Like That" was nominated for 1996 Grammy Awards for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. John Michael has come a long way from the days when he was considered just another country hat act. He recorded one of the biggest-selling albums of 1994, KICKIN' IT UP, and had the biggest country single of the year, "I Swear," which earned him a Grammy nomination for his vocals. JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY takes the young Kentuckian's career a step further, showcasing his ability not only to find good material, but to perform it successfully. The album is brimming with the kind of upbeat honky-tonk mouthfuls he has always been able to command. The full-speed, one-breath auction song "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)" may be the ultimate spit-it-out honky-tonker. The cowboy-themed "Just Like A Rodeo," on the other hand, is a true departure, a horn-backed big-band shuffle on which John Michael expands his musical boundaries. Mostly, it is is love he is pursuing. His commercial strength has always been in the power ballad, and he doesn't let fans down here. Whether it's the fulfillment of dreams on "I Can Love You Like That" (a song that will give "I Swear" a run for its money), or the romantic fidelity of "Long As I Live," John Michael belts it out like he's lived it. Make room at the top of the charts for this one; it's a winner. John Michael Montgomery knows how to balance authentic country twang and commercial country accessibility just so, and his self-titled third album is a case in point. Whether paying tribute to his musical heroes on "Cowboy Love," giving credit to the mothers of the world on "No Man's Land," or putting his all into the heart-wrenching ballad "Love You Like That," Montgomery knows how to push all the right buttons for contemporary country music fans. Matters are helped considerably by Montgomery's fine voice and guitar playing, and the clean, radio-ready production. Like its predecessor KICKIN' IT UP, JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY tore up the charts with its combination of ballads, rockers, and honk-tonk heel-kickers--the smash hit "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)" is an indisputable highlight)--proving that Montgomery's sturdy formula is as popular as ever.

John Michael Montgomery has done it again. This album is filled with good songs. My personal favorites are "Long As I Live," "Heaven Sent Me You," "Sold," and "I Can Love You Like That." That comment in the review saying that he gets absurdly sentimental is absurd. I'd rather have someone who sings with real emotion that listen to some of the emotionless material that has been coming out recently. As far as I am concerned, he can pour every ounce of emotion he has into his songs, because it makes him sound honest and genuine. Country music needs more artists like that. Keep it coming, John Michael!

His third, self-titled album is better than his first two, "Life's A Dance", and "Kick It Up". Still polished, still safe, the songs here are atypical of his nature, but they are romantic, and fairly creative. 'Sold (The Grundy County Auction County Incident) is so much fun, and at a short two and a half minutes, you'd better enjoy it while it lasts. For once, he isn't afraid to get real 'hee-haw' and make it a solid country song. (In my top ten for best country songs ever recorded. Big kudos John!) 'Cowboy Love' is also a big fun ruckus, although it doesn't have the 'real music' freedom of 'Sold'. 'No Man's Land' gives mothers across the land great appreciation and understanding. One of the best songs on here. Another affectionate song, is the best ballad, 'Long As I Live' that can top any of his other big love songs, but cannot surpass his best one, "Friends". The same doesn't go for 'I Can Love You Like That'. It is good, but still yearns and aches with too much melodrama. The other ballad does get deep, but won't make you roll your eyes. With a couple of other ballads and boot kickers, it won't disappoint. It won't wow you either. This is speaking about the whole album. SOME songs will wow ya. He is actually a great guitar player and has one of the best country voices today. The material can be better. Look for his fourth and strongest release, "What I Do The Best".

This Album Is One Of The Best Albums That John Michael Has Ever Put Out. It Was Released In The Spring Of 1995. Once Again The Pop Group All-4-One Did Another Remake Of Another John Michael Song "I Can Love You Like That" Which Became Another Number 1 Hit For John Michael. The Dance Tune "Sold" Became A Dance Hit. For The Reviewer Ann Up Above She Should Watch CMT For The Video. He Pays A Tribute To His Favorite Country Artists George Strait And George Jones On "Cowboy Love". "Long As I Live" Became Another Top Ten Hit In The Spring Of 1996. Keep Them Going John Michael.