This 1968 classic album was among the biggest of its year, even garnering a CMA nomination for "Album Of The Year". The album consists primarily of cover tunes, as did many country albums of that time period did. The stand-outs include a haunting version of The Beatles classic YESTERDAY, a version that holds up tight next to their original, and in many ways better. Also, a fun and carefree rendition of Glen Campbell's GENTLE ON MY MIND. Also check out KISS AWAY, LONELY STREET, COME ON HOME, and WHEN THERE'S FIRE IN YOUR HEART. Without a doubt the song that tops the list, and in many ways is better than the album's hit single and title track, D-I-V-O-R-C-E, is her version of Bobby Goldsboro's HONEY (I MISS YOU). Sung from Honey's point of view in Heaven, this song is pure magic, and is sure to bring tear to your eye, a song that should have been a single, to garner it the full attention it deserves. This album also helped Tammy to win the first of her 3 consecutive CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year awards, a feat that remained unmatched for nearly 20 years.
Little wonder Tammy Wynette was named "The First Lady Of Country Music".There are so many albums and songs to choose from with Tammy,but this would be an excellent choice.Born in Mississippi in 1942,Tammy worked in the cotton fields,was a waitress,and a beautician.She retained her license even at the height of her career.Throughout the 70's,80's and 90's she was one of the top and best loved female singers in Country Music.She epitomized what it was to be one of the best when Country Music was also at its best.If one were to pick a handful of the best,no doubt ,she was one of them.With over 20 #1 hits,and a continuous stream of records and awards;it is amazing she did it in such a short period.For the last 20 years of her life,though still recording and performing ,she suffered from a variety of health problems and surgery,dying in 1998 at only 56.
Through her songs and music she,along with a handful of female Country Music Stars,such as Loretta Lynn,Patsy Cline,etc.,broke into a business that was mainly male oriented and proved that they were as good as any of them. They were so influencial that even 40 years later,women such as Hillary Clinton would quote them.However,they got it all wrong when they referred to Tammy's song "Stand By Ypur Man" as suggesting weakness;when in reality, these CW Legends led the way in Women's Liberation.
This album was published in 1968,,the year she married George Jones,already had 3 children from her first teenage marriage,and only 28.Even by then she had some of the best songs in Country Music,with many more to come.Songs like "Gentle On My Mind","All Night Long","Sweet Dreams","Lonely Street","Honey I Miss Yopu",and of course "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" are some of the all time greatest C&W songs.There are 10 songs on this album,and one song "The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde",though not as well known or played as the others, is a real gem.
The other thing about this album is that Tammy sang these songs throughout her career;but the power of her voice was never better than at the time these recordings were made.
It's the Legends like Tammy,that George Jones is talking about in his song "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?" Only time will tell, and for all too long,the wait continues.That's why I recently purchased a new turntable and continue to play my "vinyls".
This was actually Tammy's third album. Apart from the title track, a number one country hit that eventually became a British top twenty pop hit, covers dominate this album, including Gentle on my mind (Glen Campbell), Honey (Bobby Goldsboro), Legend of Bonnie and Clyde (Merle Haggard), Sweet Dreams (a Don Gibson song that became a hit also for Patsy Cline), Yesterday (Beatles) and Lonely Street (Andy Williams). Note that Tammy changes the lyrics to sing the woman's role from beyond the grave. I know there are a lot of people who don't like the standard song. Such people will dislike Tammy's version even more.
Most of the above songs are well known and brilliantly performed, but the two obscure songs (Send me no roses and I'm not mine to give) are both well worth hearing.
In Britain, this album was paired with Your good girl's gonna go bad, her debut album, on a single CD.
