Lyle Lovett Album: “Road to Ensenada”

Does Lyle Lovett ever put out a bad album? The answer, as he reaffirms us with The Road to Ensenada, is a no. This is definitely one of the finest country albums of the 90's. Lyle Lovett proves that he can cut through the trash that populates today's country market and still make an excellent album. This is one of the most personal and revealing albums I've ever listened to (by any artist). Although this album was put out after his split with Julia Roberts, Lyle doesn't wallow in misery or self-pity. He even manages to slip in some of his now-famous dry wit on several of the tracks. He's also one of the few singers who can look at relationships objectively, while still incorporating all of the feelings that go with them. This is simply a phenominal album. This is a very intelligent album, but it doesn't sacrifice good music in the process. This album is both thought-provoking and fun to listen to at the same time. No CD in my rather large collection has received as many spins as this one.

Although Lyle Lovett's most recent CD is quite good, No collection of Alt-Country music should be without THE ROAD TO ENSENADA. This CD is both elegant and self depricating, big and brassy, and closae adn intimate. Every song is good, and every song speaks to you from the heart AND the brain.

If you are looking for an alternative to the "HAllmark Card" sappy sacharin sweet themes that permeate modern country music, than Lyle lovett is your man, and THE ROAD TO ENSENADA is the CD to start with.

The first time I ever heard Lyle Lovett's music was on VH1's Storytellers. Much to my surprise, not only did I like his music but I really enjoyed HIM! He was so funny! Dry but fun!

At that moment, I was hooked. Lyle's songwriting style is something I haven't heard in a long time. He writes/tells stories rather than formulaic songs (i.e. 1st verse, 2nd verse, chorus, 3rd verse, bridge, chorus, repeat).

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ALBUM! And try to sit tight to hear the bonus track, "The Girl in the Corner." It starts about 4 1/2 minutes after the last song is over. "The Girl in the Corner" is the song that Mr. Lovett sold me on.

The combination of traditional country with whatever strikes Mr. Lovett's fancy continues here on THE ROAD TO ENSENADA. This CD starts with a typical touch of humor with the man showing his attachment to his Stetson ("Don't Touch my Hat"), working up an incredible series of country fried pick up lines ("Her First Mistake") and chasing after a young lady who can "Look right through you." ("Fiona") Listen to the throwback sound of the peddle steel and fiddle blending in with the big band horns on "That's Right" and you know right away your in Lyle Lovett territory. Things get serious as the CD moves along, particularly on the brilliant "Promises," where "words are like poison," and on the bittersweet "Christmas Morning." By the time you finish listening to the epic title track, you will realize Lovett has created another wonderful collection songs for the heart and mind.

This is one incredible album and should always be played while driving long distances in West Texas or anywhere else. Toe-tapping, dreaming, Get High music --- THANK YOU LORD for Lyle Lovett!! J from Texas