Customer Reviews

My Heart to You

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

 

 

Prime Cuts: Years From Now, My Heart to You, Wonderful Tonight

As an artist who has cut his fair share of stirring love ballads, delivered with ease and warmth, "My Heart to You" hits the high-water mark here. Rarely rising above mid tempo, Don Williams' latest release since 2000's "I Turn the Page" finds the "gentle giant" effortlessly delivering moving readings of meaningful tunes. However, unlike "I Turn the Page" (which was released by Giant Records), "My Heart to You" finds Williams back in the independent pasture. But that's not the only difference. This is also the first time in years, Williams is back in the producer chair responsible for penning 6 out of the 11 tracks.

Best of the Williams' original is the pioneer single and title track, "My Heart to You." On this lilting title song, sparse instrumentation forms the backdrop for a vow of eternal love. Similarly, some sweet, rising pedal steel lines and a soft wash of strings propel the romantic vibe of "When I'm With You." Though not written by Williams, "Years From Now" befits Williams like a hand to a glove. Penned by Roger Cook and Charles Cochran, "Years From Now" exudes with romantic optimism augmented by Williams sincere delivery.

The romantic soundscape does give way to forlorn heartbreak. Backed by the mournful strumming of the acoustic guitar, "Oh Misery" is a 3-minute glimpse into the life of a heartbroken man. "One Like Me," set at a more jovial pace, finds Williams contemplating why his lady would still want to be with him after all the heartbreak he's caused. Less effective though is southern gospel influenced "Fly Away."

As Williams has always been fond of covers, this album is of no exception. Of the three cover tunes, Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" is exquisite. Williams' performance here is subdued, sublime, understated and moving; a tour de force. Paul Kennerly's "I'll Be Faithful to You" is acceptable, but pales in comparison with Marie Osmond's version from a few years back. Osmond's plaintive--almost tear stained--vocals brought out a certain bittersweet quality from this love ballad that Williams could not emulate.

The real dud of this album is Williams' cover of Amanda McBroom's "The Rose" (popularized by Bette Midler). There is a sense of sacredness to "The Rose" that the musical pious ought to have stayed clear. Hence, it irked me to hear country music's high priest Conway Twitty tackling it a few years ago. Now of all people, Don Williams! With such an over familiar tune, it takes an earth shattering performance for this song to be piquant again. However, with Williams' straight forward reading, "The Rose" sounds pretty tiresome. It's just a ropey choice for a cover period.

Besides these minor quibbles, "My Heart to You" is a much welcomed return from Williams. Kudos to Williams for not bowing to the high and mighty Nash machine, "My Heart To Yours" is still vintage Don Williams. Though his days as a chart topper might be over, but his songs are still heartfelt. If you love Williams for his gentle, laidback, but thoughtful delivery, "My Heart to You" doesn't disappoint.

Don's voice has been the major force in all the albums he has released in his career. It also marks this album and praise must go to Mr. Don Williams for still not wanting to join the bandwagon.

His laid-back style that sets him apart, makes him one of the truly greats. 'The Rose' which is a cover is a good choice as it has 'intelligent' lyrics. My favourite of the new songs though is 'One Like Me'...you can't get it any better than this and is vintage Don Williams. I highly recommend this album.

I enjoy this CD
At least this CD has Don Williams doing the singing
I have had other CD's that state they are his but am sure it is not him doing the singing.
This is a pleasant musical review.

This is a most beautiful album especially if you like romantic music and you don't have to be a country music fan. There is not one 'bad' track on this album and that is a rarity nowadays. The title track "My Heart To You"is the best and so catchy I cannot understand why it was hardly ever played on the radio/music video shows as it would have topped the charts. Having said it is the best ALL the tracks are great from the fast numbers to the slow. Look for Don's rendering of "The Rose." I play this CD all the time. Don's deep and rich vocals with the excellent musical arrangements make this a number one album in my collection.

Great CD, Saw Mr Don Williams at Jim Thorpe PA this summer as part of his final tour...he is the best and CD was very good. He performed most of the songs on it.

"My Heart to You" is vintage Don Williams -- soft ballads sung with Don's unique style. Each song is understated with good harmonies. Though a few of the songs are "covers," and a few are from Don's other albums, the overall effect is fine. Don seems to be aging gracefully, and his velvety voice is as good as ever.