Since the early '90s, Vince Gill has been one of the most popular artists in country music because of his work on the MCA label. His recording career, however, began back in 1979; first as lead singer of the Pure Prairie League ("Let Me Love You Tonight") and then as a solo artist for RCA.
The Platinum & Gold Collection offers 10 of the 11 singles Gill recorded while at RCA between 1983 and 1988 (missing is the top 40 "With You"). The key recording found here is "If It Weren't For Him," his top 10 duet with Roseanne Cash. It's been left off other RCA Gill retrospectives, including the strong 20 track Essential collection. Among the other gems found here are the rousing "Turn Me Loose," the heartbreaking "Oh Carolina," and the mandolin featured "Cinderella." "Everybody's Sweetheart" was a tongue-in-cheek comment on his then-more-famous, then-wife Janis, of Sweethearts of the Rodeo, while "The Radio" presented a touching ode to his oft-touring former Sweetheart. The two non-singles found here are the original version of his 1990 hit "Never Knew Lonely" and the otherwise unavailable toetapper "Lucy Dee."
Most of these recordings hold their own with Gill's more celebrated MCA stuff. Maybe he wasn't promoted properly at RCA or the timing wasn't right for Gill back then. Whatever the reason, it is nice to have these old hits available.
I actually bought this particular album for ONE SONG...."If It Weren't For Him"! It used to get radio play in the 1980's and was one of my favorite of Vince Gill's songs. I didn't buy the album it was on back then and, years later, when I decided to look for an album with this specific song, I couldn't find it! Needless to say, when I finally found this album on amazon.com, I was surprised and very pleased!
After listening to the entire album, I must say that, except for the above-named song, this will not be a favorite album on the WHOLE because I have always enjoyed Vince's ballads the most!
I am, however, so happy to have the ONE SONG which has long been the object of my search!
THIS SET FROM VINCE GILL IS SOME OF HIS BEST WORK EVER.LOVE IT..REGARDS.MAUREEN
