Randy Travis Album: “You and You Alone”

I didn't like country music--hardly any modern music, actually--and time was I made fun of folks that listened to hick tunes. But as I was channel surfing one day on my car radio, I stumbled across Randy Travis' "The Hole." It was a revelation. It was music with lyrics that flowed, had some substance, and taught a good message. And it was upbeat. And it was sung by a man with an unapologetic twang in his voice, a voice textured but smooth, like well-worn leather. And I was hooked. "You and You Alone" was my first country album, and it's still my favorite. Perhaps, like a first love, it'll always be one of my "fond things."

This is his best album, beating "8x10" hands-down. This album was good enough to convert me. Now 4 of the 5 station presets on my car radio are--country. I laugh at myself.

Blame it all on Randy.

Normally speaking, I'm not a traditional country fan. Alan Jackson does good here and there, but I like country songs that lean a little toward the pop side. But Randy Travis is my one exception. His distquinishable voice makes him a delight, no matter what he sings. (He's got a gospel album out, and though I haven't heard it yet, I can imagine Randy singing "Amazing Grace.") Back to this album. It starts off with the lesson-teaching "The Hole", continues with the balad "Out of My Bones" and the story-telling "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man." I don't have enough room to tell you all about every song, so I'll sum up the rest. Some catchy tunes--"Only Worse", "I'm Still Here . . ." "Stranger in My Mirror"--and some beautiful balads--"Horse Called Music", "Easy To Love You", "Satisfied Mind", and the title track. The song "I Did My Part", by the way, features Patrick Swayze. Randy is also a good actor (check out "Black Dog" to find out why) and this just makes him a better singer. By this album, and discover the magic of Randy Travis.

Travis has put forth a substantial album here - one that could be an all-timer. "Horse" & "One Word Song" are stunningly beautiful. Country music distilled to its pure essence. Travis is now one of only a few left, in company of Dwight Yokum & Emmylou Harris. Hopefully this won't be the last. Buy the album now.

Other great work of Randy Travis. Recomended to the fans of Randy and the Great Country Music. Essential for the lovers of this Wonderful Music.

This just may be Randy Travis's very best CD! Out Of My Bones is one of my favorites and this CD just gets better from there! A Horse Called Music is so beautiful! Only Worse is great! This is one of the best CDs I own! Nobody sings like Randy Travis and this is him at his very best!!