Folk & Country > Contemporary Country Folk & Country > Proper

Advantages: Variety, Superior Material, Showmanship
Disadvantages: Will Country Radio Respond?

...offering from Hal Ketchum is one of his best. Top songcrafting and performance have always been Ketchum hallmarks, sometimes at the expense of commercial viability. As an artist Ketchum has always felt free to share his influences, from blues and R&B to folk to thundering rock licks. This time, he's got it all---there are several prospects for hit singles on this CD. "The Alamo," ("That's a pretty good place to make a stand") released in the US as ...
...become a country classic. The title track is already a line dance favorite, even prior to its official US release. "Save Tonight For Me" and "Moment" are power ballads that showcase Ketchum's vocal abilities, though "Travelin" Teardrop Blues" in its seemingly laid back, easy style is no less dynamic. The centerpiece of this disc is "Poor Lila's Ghost," an epic story of love, loss and redemption. Lastly, anyone who can resist moving to "Little Red ... Read review

Advantages: variety, entertaining, every song is a big hit
Disadvantages: only 11 songs

I have thoroughly enjoyed this album for years. Each and every song is a favorite. The lyrics are entertaining and applicable. It is made up of great tunes and quality music. Tim McGraw has a beautiful voice that is very melodious and easy to sing along with. Many times I find myself thinking of these songs when in certain situations and it's always nice to sing along in my head. It is definitely worth buying. Some CDs may have up to 17 or 18 songs ... Read review

Advantages: Great introduction to Country star
Disadvantages: If you prefer his later stuff, be warned: the best tunes on this are at the 'novelty' end of his output

...revival and more introspective artists are pushing those boundaries - but songs like 'Renegade' and 'Great Divide' stand in the tradition. Besides all that, for something to put on the stereo, turn up loud and sing along to - it sure takes a lot of beating. ... Read review

Advantages: Groundbreaking Recording, Charming Angelic Voice
Disadvantages: Not used to Celtic Melodies

...to track --- 1. Somebody (3:41) ~~ 5/5 A great opening with the airy instrumental chords, then Dover's pure and clear voice caught my attention immediately. It is an Irish or Scottish song in 18th Century. I like the melodies. 2. The Baron O' Brackley (6:15) ~~ 4/5 The melody is strange to me, but the rhythm & sound of the pipe solo is delightful to me. 3. On Castle Rock (4:50) ~~ 3/5 A pure instrumental piece, the pipe is leading the melody. ...
...Another strange melody, but Dover's angelic voice makes me to close up my eye to feel it. 5. Jack of Diamonds (4:20) ~~ 5/5 This track I like it more! The lively tuned of the rhythm is more familiar to me, is a song of America comes from Southern Missouri. 6. Cantus (6:16) ~~ 5/5 The language of this track is mixed in English and Irish (?), is a 14th century Irish monastic tradition. I like it so much although I can't really understand what she ... Read review

Advantages: Highly original and relaxing acoustic guitar songs, superbly played
Disadvantages: Inferior bonus tracks might interfere with the mood of the album for some.

John Martyn was a very talented British singer/songwiter/musician, who attracted a strong interest and following during the 1970s (less so in the '80s),.But he enjoyed little commercial recognition, despite his best albums selling steadily over the years. Although Martyn started out as a folk artist in the late 1960s, by the time of this release, jazz and blues influences had crept into his repertoire. By the '80s, Martyn's studio albums had ...
...but not some might say, for the better. Bless The Weather, released in 1971 is John Martyn's fifth album, and arguably his best. It originally included ten tracks, nine songs plus one superb instrumental jam. What the original album managed to achieve is the near perfect blend of contemporary folk and jazz. And with John's expressive vocals, he hardly puts a foot wrong here. The CD's photograph cover hints at the atmosphere of the whole album, ... Read review