Patty Loveless Album: “Patty Loveless”

I like to think of this as classic Patty Loveless. In my opinion, this first record receives too little praise and attention. Her voice was slightly different back then; younger and bit higher pitched. Still, it was phenomenal. Ironically, I think some of her best song choices are on this first record, including a few of her own. The songs and instrumentation were simple and pure. I rate it as one of her best records. If you are looking to purchase it, or any of her other old records, just ask your local record store to order it out of their industry catalog. It will be cheaper than buying it used on the Internet.

From the opening notes of "Lonely Days, Lonely Nights," this Kentucky girl makes it clear she means business. Loveless tackles a trifecta of tough Karen Staley gems ("Lonely Days, Lonely Nights," "Wicked Ways," and "Half Over You,") with her exquisite tenor and the results cut and sting. She sticks to her bluegrass roots with Jim Rushing's stark "Slow Healing Heart," the mandolin-flavored "Sounds of Loneliness," and her lovely self-penned ballad "I Did." Loveless' knack for picking top-notch songs (Steve Earle's "Some Blue Moons Ago") and sparse instrumental arrangements give this standout CD a gritty edge not present on other female country releases. This rootsy sound probably kept her from enjoying massive radio airplay, but the ambition shown here cements her as a pioneer of the new-traditionalist female country movement in Nashville.

The public was slow to catch on to Patty's talent but I wasn't. This album demonstrates Patty's ability to sing ballads and up-tempo songs equally well. The style is firmly rooted in traditional country although it has a contemporary edge.

You may have heard some of the songs elsewhere, as they have been recorded by other singers. Dolly Parton included Slow healing heart on her White Limozeen album, while Vern Gosdin recorded it for his album, There is a season.

Karen Staley wrote three of the songs here and later recorded two of them (Wicked ways, Half over you) for her album, Fearless, ten years or so after Patty's versions first appeared. George Jones later included Half over you on his album, The rock. I cannot trace another version of the third Karen Staley song, Lonely days lonely nights, but it's a brilliant song.

Jo-el Sonnier co-wrote and first recorded Blue is not a word, which George Strait covered for his album, Something special. Some blue moons ago is a Steve Earle song. You are everything was co-written by Guy Clark.

Of the other songs, Patty wrote two (I did, Sounds of loneliness) while After all is a real gem - it may be that somebody else has recorded it, but I don't remember hearing another version.

If you enjoy Patty's other music, you will enjoy this album - if you can find it.