Customer Reviews

Backroads

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Ricky had twelve number one country hits, three of which (I am a simple man, Rocking years, Keep it between the lines) came from this album. Of the three number ones, the most famous is Rocking years, a duet with Dolly Parton. I heard a story (but cannot confirm it) that Dolly originally recorded it with George Jones but that he left the record label soon afterwards - Ricky was then brought in to replace George. However good such a duet would have been, it seems unlikely that it could have reached the top of the country charts. In 1991, American country radio was far more interested in Ricky than the other two, who they regarded as yesterday's stars. Yet, both of them have managed to keep their careers going without those radio stations while Ricky has faded into obscurity, his comeback attempts meeting with little interest. It is sad really, because Ricky is an excellent singer.

The three number ones occupy the first two tracks and the final track of this collection. In between, there are many other excellent songs including After the lights go out and the title track, both of which (like the number ones) can be found on compilations of Ricky's music. You might assume that those are the five best tracks but, good as they are, they don't outshine the rest of this fine album. My favorites among the other songs are Who'll turn out the lights and Oh heart of mine, both of which were surely considered for single release. The other three tracks (Some things are better left alone, Call me up, If you're ever in my arms) are also excellent.

Following the success of this album, it seems remarkable that Ricky only had limited success thereafter. Nevertheless, there was a time when Ricky was one of the hottest stars in country music, deservedly so. This is a great traditional country album by one of country music's forgotten stars.

This cd is a very solid effort. A lot of people don't like Ricky Van Shelton for some reason. This cd is stone country, not "new country." It features the awesome and the very criticized duet with Dolly Parton. This cd is still worth buying, and is a steal at a bargain price.