Customer Reviews

All of This Love

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Over three years after it's release, ALL OF THIS LOVE remains Tillis' most subtle, understated work. Rather than becoming overconfident by her Female Vocalist win less than a year before recording this album, the victory made Pam more contemplative. The result is an album that passes on big hooks and radio-ready ditties in favor of quiet production and atmospheric lyrical imagery. The opening track, "Deep Down," is a duet of sorts between Pam and her studio musicians, her voice playing off the fiddle and guitar in the verses and soaring above them in the heart-stopping bridge. Her take on Bruce Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" strips the song down to it's barest bones, omitting the unnecessary third verse and revealing a tenderness and introspection in the lyrics that was drowned in the heavy production of the Hornsby original. "The River And The Highway" and the title track contain some of the most beautiful country metaphors ever recorded. Through it all, Pam shines with stunning vocals and shows her skill as a producer by avoiding cheap tricks and letting the substance shine through. Even "Betty's Got A Bass Boat" is given shades of irony by Pam's slightly mocking vocal performance. ALL OF THIS LOVE suggests what her 1998 opus EVERY TIME would later confirm: Pam Tillis is the most significant country voice of her generation.

After releasing three consecutive first-rate albums(including the career-defining SWEETHEART'S DANCE), Pam Tillis released the first of what would be three consecutive good but not great albums. It's hard to say where ALL OF THIS LOVE goes wrong--again her choice of singles is impeccable('Deep Down', 'It's Lonely Out There')and she includes another tongue-in-cheek novelty in the vein of 'Cleopatra,Queen Of Denial'('Betty's Got A Bassboat') that isn't half bad. But none of the ballads here match her previous bests('Spilled Perfume', 'In Between Dances'), and though her take on Bruce Hornsby's 'Mandolin Rain' is literally inspired, the rest of the set,like much of her recent work, is just the opposite--pretty, but uninspired.

I really wish this cd had gotten the appreciation it deserved. Her cover of Mandolin Rain is exquisite and the River and the Highway, as well as Tequila Mockingbird are superb as well. I thought Betty Got A Bass Boat to be completely out of place, and is why I'm not giving the cd five stars. That said, Pam's voice shines on this album and it is well worth her talent and anyone's time to check out.

Pam Tillis is one of the lesser promoted, but extremely well known artists who emerged in the country/rock scene along the lines of Reba and the Judds. This was one of her mid nineties offerings and continued her long line of truly talented songs. Soft voiced, but with a strong flavor, she sings from the heart and with this CD it shows. My personal favorite was Mandolin Rain, simply beautiful, it says everything you need to know.

I like Pam Tillis and purchased this cd even though I didn't recognize the songs on it. However, it has turned out to be one of my favorite Pam Tillis cds.

This might be Pam's most under appreciated album. It may be a little too adventerous for some. It offers everything from a little bluegrass to Texas swing. Mostly, it is outstanding vocals, great melodies and meaningful lyrics. It is not cookie cutter country. It is classic country.

Pam Tillis's self-produced All of this Love succeeds in being a more poignant, introspective, and mature effort than her previous albums. It continued her string of successes leading up to her Greatest Hits package the next year. The material is good, and I love the subtlety of the production and also Pam's vocals in contrast to the overproduction of too many country artists.

"Deep Down" and "The River and the Highway" were the CD's hits, and I especially enjoyed the latter; it is touching and mournful, revealing a different, deeper side of Pam. As others have commented, "Mandolin Rain" was an inspired selection, perfect for inclusion on this disk. Who couldn't love "Betty's Got a Bass Boat" too? I'm deducting 1 star only because I don't love every song, but there's plenty of quality to recommend here. Pam Tillis is a true country artist, and this disk contributed much to her long and successful career.

Most of the songs on this CD are good, but there is nothing here that really jumps out and grabs ya! "The River And The Highway" is a beautiful song about two paths that cross, but don't merge. "It's Lonely Out There," "Deep Down," and "Betty's Got A Bass Boat" are three singles that are easy on the ears, but nothing like the depth that Tillis has occasionally reached. Tillis, also, delivers a smooth cover of Bruce Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain." (lyrics included)

Pam's 1995 album is great. Her cover of Bruce Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" is especially good, with Marty Stuart playing the mandolin. This album has some great songs on it, a good mix of ballads and up-tempo. "You can't have a good time without me" has a great old honky tonk feel..(love the piano and fiddle)! "Betty's got a bass boat" is a fun song that was a hit for Pam. Reccommended!