Customer Reviews

Billy Gilman

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Once again, I broke my own rule about buying CDs without having a chance to preview them first, but considering how much I have enjoyed Billy Gilman's previous albums, I decided to gamble on this one -- and won.

Billy has proven on this album that he is indeed no novelty kid act. His voice has matured to a crystal clear tenor. He has also returned to his country roots -- and done it well. While it doesn't have the song variety of "Everything and More" (which I actually preferred more than this album; hence, the 4-star rating), it is definitely more upbeat and worth listening to more than once. I especially enjoyed "Billy the Kid," "Southern Star" "Let Me Remind You," and "We Go On." His duet "I'm Almost Over (Gettin' Over You)" with Pam Tillis is one of the biggest highlights on the album. A must for any Billy Gilman fan's collection.

Keep up the good work, Billy. You're well on your way to becoming more than just a Southern Star!

When I found out that Billy was releasing another album, I immediately preordered it.

I enjoyed the album quite a bit, but was a little disappointed that it was all country, and not something of a mix between country and pop, like his previous albums. None of the songs were the slow type that really showcased his great voice, though I too liked "Billy the Kid". But the lack of any slower songs is what prompted me to give this album 4 stars instead of 5.

I've been a fan of Billy Gilman's, ever since I was channel-surfing and stumbled across the video for "One Voice." I loved his voice, which was partially destroyed by the evils of adolescence. But at least Billy managed to keep a good, albeit radically different, singing voice.
All in all, I'd have to say that I liked "Everything and More" better.

I have read the review by "Bubbles23" above and must say that I very much liked and appreciated his/her thorough and thoughtful analysis. However, I also have to say that the "disliking" or criticizing of a singing star for not playing an instrument or not writing his own songs seems a bit unfair to me. I think of many of the greatest singers of the past! I can't imagine someone putting Sinatra or Streisand down for not writing their own songs. The two talents, singing and composing, are different talents. Should an actor be criticized for not writing his own screenplay? The current mania for self-written albums has resulted all-too-often in lame music from superior vocalists. Still, aside from that, I very much enjoyed and agree with Bubbles23's review.

Billy Gilman's new album is very entertaining. To hear his voice maturing further and further with each new release is thrilling. I had worried for him when the voice change happened several years ago. Many boy singers cannot make the transition. Billy can and will attain adult star status if he continues to produce quality work like this.

There is a great variety of music on this album. Some I adored, others I was not so fond of, but I don't criticize the album for that. That's my problem. All albums seem to have a few songs I don't really care for. I am not particularly a country music fan so it was surprising to me that I played this album so many times over and over, even putting "repeat" on a few of my particular favorites: "Let Me Remind You Again", "Almost Over (Getting' Over You)", "Moonlight Memories of You", and "The One You Left Behind". To me, that is the real measure of the success of an album. Will I listen to it more than a few times? In this case the answer is resoundingly, "YES!!!"

Billy Gilman is still such a charmer. I hope his fans and others were able to see him on the recent MDA Telethon. He showed that he still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye, that knowing wink, that teasing, energetic personality onstage! Onward to Stardom, Billy! You deserve it!

I hope this album is a hit. Buy it today!

I have always said that Billy Gilman has what it takes to reclaim his spot back at the top, but honestly, I wasn't sure "how" it could be done. I wasn't sure that he could do it strictly with country music, given that it's so difficult to translate from a child star...to an adult star. I opined that Billy would need to completely reinvent himself in order to gain a brand new following. Often, the fans you had as a child, wind up abandoning you, because they grow up. I feared that many would only see the "novelty" of his young age and forget about the phenomenal talent he possesses.

Luckily, I may have been wrong. Billy's voice hasn't waned in the least and it's obvious that country music will always be his home. His voice has matured beautifully and his technique, phrasing, interpretation, and nuance have all only improved with age and maturity. These songs are all delightful and I even hear a few potential Number 1 hits!

Even if Billy Gilman never regains the same fame he had in his younger years...it's obvious he will always have a singing career. He was born to do it and as most true artists do...they sing whenever and wherever there is a stage and an audience.

Oh, and I agree with the other reviewers that writing your own music doesn't make you "more" of an artist. Most of the greatest vocalists of our time do not write their own songs. And I love the analogy by the one poster that asked if actors are expected to write their own screenplays. Very fitting. While some wind up doing just that...most do not. Singing is Billy's craft and, while enjoying a song that he wrote and composed himself would be great...it's not necessary.

One more thing...Billy's voice, at times, sounds similar to the tenor lead vocalist of Air Supply, one of my favorite bands from the 80's. Not always, but he sometimes sounds like him. That is a compliment, by the way. :)

It sure took him long enough to transform from a boy to a man. I really thought his career was over. But wow, he's amazing now! His voice has got to be one of the best in country music for sure. The boy knows how to belt. I just saw him on the Jerry Lewis telethon and he blew me away. I'm very impressed.

I have been a long time supporter of Billy Gilman. I have multiple copies of all of his cd's, have attended several concerts all over the country (he's awesome to see live), and have, in the past, been involved with websites dedicated to supporting Billy. I must say, I was only mildly pleased with his last couple of cd's... I felt his voice was not yet fully changed and it did not have the impact on me his "younger voice" did. However,this new cd has made me smile! I love hearing his incredible voice again. :) I think this "Billy Gilman" cd will be worn out just like my One Voice and Dare to Dream cds are. The lyrics to most songs are touching and the song choices are perfect. Thanks for hanin' in there Billy! You're Back!

Here's my review for each song as honest as I can be:

The initial song "Billy the Kid" got stuck in my head quickly. Energetic and a simply fun song. I like how the lyrics tie-in Billy's life and the character. 4/5

The first single put on the radio "Southern Star" has the potential to put him back in the spotlight of where he used to stand as one of the more popular country singers of todays era. Although I feel it's not the strongest song on the album it's definetly something that can get the attention of many people. 4/5

I like the smooth, jazzy feel of "Let Me Remind You Again". A warm, calming song which can lull one to sleep, and that's not a bad thing. Just a little too slow for me to give it the highest regards. 3.5/5

I don't know what it is that makes me like "Gonna Find Love" as much as I do. I try my hardest to find a reason to criticize this song but I simply can't. One could argue that the lyrics are a little childish, but for me the high notes he hits to perfection just puts everything together. 4/5

Well "Designated Driver" is a song that's hit or miss. Unfortunately, it missed for me. It feels like this song is trying to be too "Pop" for its own good. 2.5/5

...I feel after this song this is where the album shines and the tracks come together almost perfectly...

"Clueless" is a very dynamic song in how it starts a bit slow at first, and gets more and more intriguing once the first chorus hits. Full of grace and innocence. 4/5

I really give a lot of credit for the people who wrote "Easy for You" and to Billy for performing it so stunningly. I believe that there are very few artists who could pull off such spirit, emotion, and versatility as Billy does in this track. This is one of the very few songs ever that makes me think: "How was this not made before?" ...one of the best compliments that one can give a song. Superb. 5/5

I like the choice of putting "Almost Over" as the track after the somewhat-dark "Easy for You". It's the perfect track to liven up the listener after being caught in all of the emotion and depth of the previous song. Simply a fun track with some great singing from both Billy and Pam Tillis. 4/5

The rhythm and Billy's voice go together perfectly in "See Yourself in My Eyes". This song is so amazingly lighthearted and calm that it just brings a smile to my face every time I listen. 5/5

"I Will" as Billy himself says "...the wedding song of the year...". There's nothing about this song that isn't just simply kind and pure. Lyrics may be a bit generic, although its done so well that I don't notice. Great song. 5/5

I don't know how to rate "Young Love" honestly, I feel its a little misplaced being in between 2 good ballads ("I Will" and "We Go On"). A little bit like "Designated Driver" but has lyrics that are more easy to listen to. I do like how he finishes the song too. A song that definetly would have a higher rating if I saw it live knowing he would put a lot more energy into it than the recording. 3/5

I feel that "We Go On" has some pretty generic lyrics and tone, I get dejavu listening to it feeling like I've heard it before. Even so, I can see if people disagree with me here and say this is a stand-out track. Just because Billy still sings this song brilliantly and it has a nice message I'll give it a... 4/5

In conclusion, I am really glad I purchased this album as it has a lighthearted, warm, and innocent overall tone. I expected the album to be better than "Everything and More" but what I didn't expect was it to be better by this wide of a margin. I'm very happy he never gave up in his career and I'm very hopeful to see him live in concert.

As a fellow rhode islander (Where Billy lives) I am very proud of how well Bill is doing. He is that rare cleancut vocalist that will last a very long time and continue to entertain us all with great songs, inspirational, country, and I believe (very easily) big pop ballads, if he wants to or tries to.

Much was made of his voice changing...and its great to see its for the better. I hope Billy's management continue to push him harder and further and farther...right into pop stardom...but should he remain doing what he already has - entertained us all from the heart - I will still continue to listen....and I think you as Amazonian buyers should too!

Continued success billy. This album in its simplicity and vocal clarity is among the best I own. Thanks for providing decent moving music - often with a uplifting message/story. I hope your career lasts many many years and the best is yet to come.

Billy Gilman's voice has matured nicely and he has chosen age-appropriate music. He hasn't forgotten his country roots in this 'country' world that tries to make only music that can cross over into the pop/rock world. 'I Will' is one of my favorites on the album, but the duet with Pam Tillis is also hard to resist.

Billy Gilman lost his voice (his voice "broke"), as is sometimes said, for
a while, much to his dismay, but in his self titled CD "Billy Gilman" he
has come back better than ever. I'm sure great things will come from him in the future and I look forward to his next CD. Thanks a lot Billy Gilman, for all that you have done, including your charity work for
Muscular Dystrophy. And GOOD LUCK in all your future endeavours.