Randy Travis - Around The Bend
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Randy TravisEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2008-07-15
Music Label: Warner Brothers
Soundtracks:
- Around the Bend
- You Didn't Have a Good Time
- Every Head Bowed
- Faith in You
- Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
- Dig Two Graves
- Turn It Around
- From Your Knees
- Everything That I Own (Has Got a Dent)
- 'Til I'm Dead and Gone
Free Music Notes for Around The Bend
Free Music Review: Around a Sweet and Lovely Bend
Hit: 5 Stars
If you had to ask me the question, "Can Randy really deliver a great country record?", my answer would be a quick "Of course". Maybe I would even have a touch of sarcasm in that response as if to say, "Do you even have to ask?" Randy Travis will always be country music at its finest, and each project he has given his fans for over two decades has been nothing short of wonderful.
One factor that makes each Randy Travis album a sweet treat is that each and every one is different. Every album has its own twist and flavor that creates a special mood and presence. "Around The Bend" is no exception. This long anticipated country release is a perfect and pure delight from start to finish.
I have been living with the album and listening to it non stop for quite some time now. I never write a review on an album if I feel that I do not truly know the material. "Around The Bend" was an easy album to play over and over without the music getting old. And the eleven songs on this album have sticking power for certain.
"Around The Bend" is a refreshing and inspiring musical journey. It is a fusion of styles from traditional country to inspirational to honky tonk bluegrass all backed by rich guitars and strings. Every element of these songs is musically perfect, and the whole journey concludes a project that is as solid as a rock. All the songs would be awesome singles-there are simply no fillers on this record.
Randy's vocals are clear, distinct, and, as always, in the very center of every arrangement. And nothing is sweeter than the rolling pitch bends and quarter tones that slide from his lips like honey out of a jar. Randy's voice is completely human and entirely soulful- it cannot be beat. The journey begins with "Around The Bend", featuring Randy's soulful phrasings and thin guitar pickings before the music bursts into a thick guitar and fiddle arrangement. This is a great, fun song akin to contemporary country styles. Already the hungry Randy fan has been fed.
"You Didn't Have A Good Time" is a dark, contemplative composition nothing short of an awesome masterpiece. It is a man's conscience warning him that alcohol did not give him the happiness he had thought. The details are sparse but precise, resulting in a vivid and somber message that hits dead center. The music and vocals are a powerful delivery without going over the top. One line in particular sticks out: "There's not an angel that can save you when you're listening to the wine, and the demons- they won't tell you you didn't have a good time." This song should win a Grammy award. It would be a great injustice if it went unnoticed.
"Every Head Bowed" is a very humorous tale of a hungry child wishing church and prayers would hurry by so that he can eat. The song has a mild pop country flair that is very infectious. I love the part in the song about the family burning up the road after church so they can beat the Catholics to KFC. "As they were still confessing we were blessing our mashed potatoes." I can't see how anyone couldn't love this one.
The fourth track is a gentle, inspirational song with prominent mandolin. "Love Is A Gamble" is a mother's advice to her son about true love. And what good advice it is!
"Faith In You", the single that was once again squashed by country radio, is one of the prettiest love songs I've ever heard. Backed by soft piano, lush strings and ethereal steel pedal, Randy sings pretty about his faith in his true love that has stood the changes of life. "I don't know much about big time religion, but I believe in the cross on the steeple. And I do have faith in you." Poetic writing doesn't get any better than this. This song is also special to me because it can also speak of a close friendship as well as a romantic relationship, and I think of a special friendship that I have whenever I hear it.
Randy skillfully covers the Bob Dylan song "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." I have to be honest- I had never heard the song before, but I liked this version right away. It's toe tappin', down home country! Randy's falsettos are sweeter than deep fried, country peach cobbler.
Randy's second single from the album is a very beautiful song called "Dig Two Graves". Don't let this seemingly morbid title fool you. The song is just beautiful and expresses true love to the end. My parents actually knew a couple like this. One died and the other didn't live much longer after that. In today's world love is portrayed as anything but what it truly is. This song is like an oasis in the desert, and no one could sing it better than Randy.
I always love surprises on a Randy Travis album. "Turn It Around" was one of those surprises. It has a similar concept as "My Poor Old Heart" on 2004's "Passing Through"- a fun song about a sad subject. "Turn It Around" is pop country to perfection. Every note is in perfect order. The song is pure joy from the opening guitar hooks to the final chord. I especially love how Randy sings the second verse.
In a recent interview on GAC, Randy said he would like to see "From Your Knees" released as a single. When I first heard a snippet of this song, I knew it would be one of my favorites. An excellent, triple meter, traditional country piece, it talks of a man turning his life around and giving it to God at the last minute- after his wife has cleaned out, packed up, and tossed "burning memories" in the fireplace. It took the trauma to make him change. Randy's vocals are classic Randy with pure country crooning, swirls and twirls. This song is worth a listen just to hear him sing the last two lines.
Who doesn't like "Everything I Own Has Got A Dent"? My dad refers to the song as "The Dent". He really likes it. The song talks about a separation of a guy and his girl in a funny way- he runs into her boyfriend's Ford and has to drive around with his trunk tied down with a bungee cord. Nothing else in the home has fared any better- holes in the walls, dead goldfish that missed some meals, just to name a few. So, he reasons, why should his heart be any different? This song is so funny. Everyone can identify with it in some way. The catchy tune would also make it an excellent candidate for the next single.
Our journey with Randy wraps up with "Until I'm Dead And Gone." I can't say enough about this one. It is just plain neat. A full blown honky tonk bluegrass tune combined with some rock `em, sock `em electric guitar licks and Randy's superior bluegrass phrasing. It talks of a man working himself to death to make a living. The jobs he is forced to take keeps him away from home so long he believes he'll never rest until he's buried. At the end of the song he even picks out a burial spot he likes. Once again, this is a very sad song with a fun twist. The arrangement is brilliant. What a way to end the album!
Overall, "Around The Bend" is pure genius with more than enough soul. Randy's vocals, like fine wine, grow better and better with each project. The songs selection could not have been better. The arrangements and varieties are enjoyable and solid. Every country release this year cannot hold a candle to "Around The Bend"- I can guarantee it. Randy is the best country singer ever- let's just say he is the best singer ever. Thank you, Randy, and your wonderful team for giving your fans another spectacular project to enjoy! travistroopers.com
Around The Bend Poster
Randy Travis has recorded the perfect country album...again for 2008. This is the first genuinely Country album since 1999 from superstar Randy Travis. For the man who led the New Country Traditionalist movement, his album, Around The Bend, is the continuation of an enormously popular career. North Carolina-born Randy Travis changed the face of Country music and he helped reconnect the genre with its authentic roots. It all started with Storms Of Life, the four time Grammy winner's 1986 #1 debut LP and Country's first ever multiplatinum album.Country Music CDs
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