Customer Reviews

Loving Every Minute

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

 

 

At a point when country music seems to be heading south (no pun intended) as far as creativity and originality is concerned, few country-based performers dare to ignore the ever-growing trend of going pop just to sell that extra copy of their CD.

While this means that country music has become more accessible to the average Joe, purists are lamenting the dilution of what is being passed off as country music these days with Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks being cited as the guilty offenders.

So it is quite refreshing when someone who was previously at the fringe of pop-country tries to redeem himself by returning to a more vintage country brand of music, both in sound and lyric. Of course we're not talking about an 180 degree turn here(as with Vince Gill's "The Key")but a progression towards a purer country sound nonetheless.

Perhaps trying to prove himself a real country boy at heart, Wills injects his latest effort with some light country ditties like 'The Ballon Song', 'Love Can't' and 'One Of These Days'. There's even the essential duet with Jamie O'Neal, complete with an inane long title as a album closer, as if to tell you that if in case you got a bit lost in the middle there, Hey! I'm still country!

However it's when he throws caution to the wind that he sounds most convincing as in the fun 'I Hate Chicago' and the whimsical 'In My Heaven'. Both are equally nonsensical and yet both equally relevant in their own way.

Of course there'll always be the pop-sounding ballad or two only countryfied with a fiddle or two here and there, like the title track, and 'Universe'. And on 'Lost in A Kiss', he even tries to sound a bit Latin. OK, so there's a Latin guitar intro and bridge in it. We don't want to go alienating the pop-loving masses now, do we?

All in all, it's a refreshing country package from a maturing artist that tries hard not to sound too pop and (gulp) not too country. And for what it's worth, he succeeds.

From the more pop sounding title track to the last song - a duet with Jamie O'Neal - here's another great album from Mark Wills. His voice seems to get better with every album and - thankfully - is distinctive in the crowd of other artists out there.
My favourite tracks are 'Lovin' Every Minute' - a powerful, 'hooky' love song, 'The Balloon Song' - a masterpiece of storytelling songwriting - 'I Hate Chicago' (read the lyrics before you write to complain !!), 'Back On Earth and 'Somebody'.
Standout feature - great songwriting - can this guy pick songs, or what !!? If you never heard Mark Wills before, try this album and the wonderful 'Wish You Were Here' - you won't be disappointed.

Loving Every Minute is a great song full of joy. One of these days is a song you will want to listen to one of these days and you will feel sorry for Robbie Lee who likes her hair long. I hate Chicago is full of fun and you will not want to stop listening to it! ... Somebody will touch your heart and make you want some ham n eggs! I'll be around will make you hungry for some cake!

Mark Wills has been around for a few years, and he's recorded some great songs, but never has his telent been so obvious as here. Even with albums like "PERMANENTLY" and "WISH YOU WERE HERE" under his belt, "LOVING EVERY MINUTE" has got to be the higlight of his career.
The title track starts the album out, combing pop and country into a great mix. "One Of These Days" follows, telling another version of the "leaving-small-town-to-make-it-big" craze. Think a countryfied version of Mark McGuinn's "That's A Plan." "In My Heaven"--a Wills song, not McGuinn--is a song each and every one of us should listen to; it tells how, if Wills had his way, the world would be filled with kindness, and people could "play guitar like B. B. King." That song is followed by "Back On Earth", the story of a traveling singer. "I Hate Chicago" is a love song disguised in a catchy title. "Universe" would probably just be another gooey love ballad, but for Wills's legions of fans, it's a treat! "Somebody" tells how the love of your life could be just around the corner, or "in the coffee shop you walk right by every day." Listen to "I'll Be Around", and I dare you to not want to sing along and dance. "Lost In A Kiss" adds a Spanish flavor to the album, which stands out, but is not bad. "The Balloon Song" is one of those that makes you feel good; how could you not get choked up inside when a seven year old releases a balloon into the air and asks, "You think it's in heaven yet?" "Love Can't" is quite catchy, and will inspire you to tap your foot. "I'm Not Gonna Do Anything Without You" is a duet with Jamie O'Neal, and is wonderful. The two work very well together, and I advise you to check out a slightly different version of the song on O'Neal's "Shiver" album.
For Mark Wills fans, the wait is over. "LOVING EVERY MINUTE" is that once-in-a-great-while CD that moves you, both physically and emotionally. I know it's gonna sound corny, but, hey, I couldn't resist: Buy this CD, and you'll be "LOVING EVERY MINUTE."

I love this CD for many reasons, not the least of which is Mark's wonderful, smooth, emotive voice. Great evocative lyrics and excellent driving/pound on the steering wheel songs, with delicate ballads interspersed. I especially like "Loving Every Minute," "I Hate Chicago," and "The Balloon Song." This is what Country is SUPPOSED to be. I love it!

A huge letdown for this Mark Wills' fan. I really liked 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Permanently' (a little less so), but this album could be a career ender. Overly polished production and weak writing on most tracks.

Hard to believe Mark Wills got his start singing rock and roll in Atlanta. Once again, "Loving Every Minute" is loaded up with Will's sappy ballads and misses the mark on the attempted up-tempo material. What may save this project are the two well written 'story' songs "The Balloon Song" and "Somebody". Mercury did a very good job finding him material for "Wish You Were Here". The creative well may have run dry after that one though. You can only turn to pop songs so much before listeners begin to catch on. "Back At One" got alot of early record sales, but the momentum stopped with the second single - an attempt to cover a "Brandy" pop tune. Wills has had a challenge trying to break his reputation as a "balladier" and get something up tempo that hits on radio. Do have to give him or should we say Mercury credit for finding "The Balloon Song" a very touching story that takes an unsuspecting twist. Surprisingly this one hasn't been released yet. The duet with Jamie O'Neal looked intriguing until you listen to the bubblegum pop lyrics. This was actually the weakest track on Jamie's CD. The ironic thing is, the initial appearance is: match up a newcomer with an established act and let the new act ride the coat tales of the more successful act and give the new act credibility. Seems as though Mercury now needs a very hot Jamie O'Neal to prop up a quickly fading act with dying record sales.

I admit, I have seen Mark Wills in concert, I have his two previous albums, but this is one that I would like to use as a coaster. I liked the title track "Loving Every Minute" but thats about all I liked on this album. Very Weak, I recommend that you don't buy it unless you are a serious mark wills groupie and can't get enough of him. I was hating every minute of the rest of this album and Im waiting for the next one to come out. Perhaps a Christmas album? It has to get better than this.