Randy Travis Album: “Full Circle”

Description :

Personnel: Randy Travis (vocals); Larry Byrom, Brent Mason, Billy Joe Walker, Jr. (acoustic & electric guitars); Mark Casstevens, Dean Parks (acoustic guitar); Dan Dugmore (electric & steel guitars); Steve Gibson, Chris Leuzinger (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar, dobro); Jay Dee Maness (steel guitar); Hank Singer (fiddle); Pig Robbins, Matt Rollins, Robbie Buchanan (piano); Steve Nathan, Dennis Burnside (keyboards); Roy Huskey, Jr., Dave Carpenter (acoustic bass); David Hungate, Mike Brignardello (bass); Paul Leim, Milton Sledge, Mike Shapiro (drums); Curtis Young, John Wesley Ryles, Dennis Wilson, Curtis Wright, The Cherry Sisters (background vocals). <p>Only one way to put it: the man has a voice. A country voice, deep and clear as the North Carolina streams of his childhood. On "Full Circle," Travis puts that distinctive vocal instrument through its paces, while simultaneously giving a musical tour of popular country styles. "Highway Junkie" is as good a "roll on down the line" honky-tonk tune as you're gonna get, while the bittersweet ballad "Price To Pay" will have many a trucker--and lawyer? hey, these are the '90s--crying in his beer. <p>There's even a small surprise of sorts, in a cover of rocker Mark Knopfler's "Are We In Trouble Now." This is a quiet little gem, helped along by Travis' flawless phrasing and a fine melodic line. Also, a treat for the old-timers: Travis resurrects Roger Miller's "King Of The Road" for another go-round, and somehow makes it seem fresh, thanks to a sparse, "just-enough" arrangement. In the liner notes, Travis says, "Music goes in cycles--away from Country, back to Country." So goes the life of Randy Travis--full circle.

As described by one music critic this is a Materswork! Every track here is sung with honest emotion, and thus makes every song worthy of repeated listenings. Perhaps better than anyone in the business today, Randy Travis understands a songs lyrics and sets about translating the story of the song as it was intended in its writing. As with most of Randys song selections,it is difficult not to be swept up in the emotions of the melodies and story that each tells. However, his rendition of Roger Millers King of the Road is the standout cut here. He gives the down and out vacrant some class by not stripping away what little dignity he has left with his gentle delivery. The humorous "Ants On A Log" is a gentle reminder to us all, though we are different we all face the same ups and downs that life brings. Future Mr Me and I Can Almost Hear Her Wings is classic Randy...touching on the different emotions that love can bring. This album shows once again why Randy has been able to sustain the loyal following he does...because those who have followed his musical and now movie career know that you will get the very best that Randy has to offer!

This is probably my favorite album by Randy Travis, and definately a must-have for anyone who enjoys Randy's music. He gets you with EVERY song -- with warmth, humor and that gorgeous deep voice! It's like he's right there, singing to you, telling you his story. The fun "If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another" probably describes your life perfectly! The beautiful "Long On Lonely, Short On Pride", "I Wish It Would Rain" ("so she won't see what she's doin' to me") and "Future Mister Me" and "Price to Pay" are rich with emotion, humility, and honesty, -- they are all soooooo good! Need upbeat and twangy Randy? -- check out "Would I" (he had to be dancing when he recorded this one!) You will not be disappointed!

This is a flawless recording, and one of those rare CDs one could keep playing all day long and it would still sound fresh on the tenth spin; the musicianship is astoundingly good, from some of the best instrumentalists in the business, and Randy's vocals are nothing short of perfect.

All twelve songs are terrific, with wonderful lyrics and melodies, both for the tender love songs, and the up-tempo numbers, ending with the humorous, philosophical "Ants on a Log".

Randy co-wrote three beautiful, sentimental songs: "The Future Mister Me", "I Wish it Would Rain", and "I Can Almost Hear Her Wings" (which has words that make me almost weep).