Customer Reviews

Lyle Lovett

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a general rule, debut albums generally contain some of the artist's best work- and Lyle Lovett's self-titled 1986 album is no exception. Here, Lovett's talent shines in a satisfying combination of country-themed Texas character sketches ("Cowboy Man", "Farther Down The Line", "This Old Porch"); some outstanding ballads ("If I Were the Man You Wanted", "The Waltzing Fool"), a jazz tune (An Acceptable Level of Ecstacy); and some subtly witty lyrics (God Will, Why I Don't Know). The only song that really feels out of place here is the electric-guitar themed "You Can't Resist It", which is not a bad song, really, it just doesn't flow with the album as much as the others do. Nevertheless, Lyle Lovett comes out with both six-guns shooting on this, his first album. He has a true ability for sweeping you away from where ever you may be and plopping you right smack onto an old, weathered porch in Texas, cold lemonade in hand, watching the dust blow across the plains. It's a welcome respite from the daily grind, and that's why this album, along with "Pontiac" and "Joshua Judges Ruth", is a must have for any Lyle Lovett fan.

I was so excited when Lyle Lovett first appeared on the airwaves in the mid 80's. He was the freshest, most intelligent, most artistic singer/songwriter to ever grace the musical landscape. Although this is the most country sounding of all his releases, every single song is top-notch and so many country artists could learn a thing or two about how to do country music CORRECTLY!! I remember this CD being very controversial in country music because of the lyrics in songs such as "God Will" and "Cowboy Man", but that didn't stop them from being Top 10 hits. I have to say my favorite songs are the second half of the disc and they are possibly some of his best written songs. This was one of the most critically acclaimed release of the 80's and a gem in any Lyle Lovett fan's music collection.

If you're new to Lovett, listen to "God Will" on this, his first album, to get a sense of what a dry sense of humour really is. Lyle will do it for me every time.

Listen to every track on this album except for "You Can't Resist It", which you should listen to first on his new live release. Then, once you're a Lyle Lovett addict, come back, play his old version version for the first time, and laugh about how your new favorite artist has only one dated song in his whole, incredible repertoire.

When I've been away from Lyle's early music for too long I feel compelled to return time and again.

This was his first album and along with Pontiac - are two of my favorites.
Not quite country, not quite western - no something more than both. Maybe you could call his style a jazzy-country. Whatever you want to call it - you'll find you love it.

Production value of both of these albums is excellent.

You'll love: God Will, If I Were the Man You Wanted, Closing Time and the fast paced Cowboy Man

If you are a new fan - treat yourself and buy this one and Pontiac - you won't be disappointed.

caslo

'This Old Porch' alone is worth the price of the CD. I grew up 5 miles from that Brazos River (the bottom lands) he sings about, and this song captures the smell of enchiladas, cattle, and an old musty porch with cattle milling about. It's the real thing. Almost every song of the CD is a classic. A must-have for your collection if you are a fan.

This wonderful CD showcases Lyle's incredible range of musical styles. The songwriting is superb and "This Old Porch" is still one of my favorite songs. If you buy only one Lyle Lovett CD, this should be the one.

I love Lyle's music and have been a fan for a long time.
This album was not my favorite, but still very good.

I have only recently discovered Lyle Lovett, having ignored him for far too long, thinking I wouldn't like his country music. But I just saw him in person and was blown away by the beauty of his voice and the poignancy of his songs. More than a "country" singer, Lovett crosses a line that makes him far more versatile than that. The strong, strange features of his face stand in sharp contrast to his soft, lovely, sorrowful voice. This album, his debut, has several songs that touch me: "God Will" (funny, ironic, and sad at the same time), "Further Down the Line" (mournful song of a rodeo cowboy), " This Old Porch" (poignant), and the rousing "Cowboy Man." Every song tells an interesting story. Lovett's sweet sorrow reminds me of Hank Williams. He seems to have been hurt before and wants to express that. He does it well.

This one needs more than 5 stars. Every song is amazing. If you want to experience Lyle for the first time, or if you are a fan who somehow missed this one... GET IT NOW!! I love it... you will too!

How can this have so few reviews? Well, at least all nine got it right. This whole album's like a steaming, greasy plate of enchilada's, been nothing like it since Giant came to town. If you don't have it, get it, if you don't get it, you ain't got it.