One on One

Randy Owen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Broken Bow
• ASIN: B001GAO5F4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,838 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars disappointing, November 29, 2008

By 

Curtis Jones (Chattanooga, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One on One (Audio CD)

It's sad to see a lead singer who doesn't understand that he wasn't the sole reason for his group's success. The history of pop and country music, if written today would show mixed results in this area. For every Diana Ross, there's a David Ruffin. Mick Jagger is certainly the voice of the Rolling Stones, but he has only sold a handful of records from his solo attempts.

Apparently, some of Randy Owen's entourage told him that he WAS Alabama, and that his voice, and his picture on a CD cover (although heavily airbrushed, and/or fifteen years old) would take radio and retail by storm. It isn't happening.

Why? A lackluster selection of songs that do not deliver the "Alabama sound" that was popular to listeners and buyers 25 years ago. There's a reason that Alabama's last couple of studio albums (including the incredibly awful but well-named "When It All Goes South") tanked. When a musical act wears out its welcome and gets too smart for its own good, by changing producers and writing more of its own material, that act has jumped the shark.

Randy Owen is no longer the 30 year old energetic, smiling, fresh performer who was front man for a groundbreaking country-rock act. He is almost 60, and performs as if country radio and music buyers should automatically rush out and play his new music. There's just nothing really new here. Songs that would be appropriate for a 30 year old hunk just sound a bit creepy coming from a 60 year old man. And, when most people think of Alabama, they think of upbeat, bright, well-produced songs. "One on One" is largely slow and dated, which is a surprise considering the production efforts of John Rich. Maybe he's saving the good stuff for his own act.

So, while diehard Randy Owen fans may buy and praise this CD as a reward for Randy's longevity and goodwill, it's highly unlikely he'll win over many new fans. And despite his apparent distaste for his old band-mates, and the old songs, he will eventually have to realize that those songs are what he will be remembered for. It isn't easy to age in country music, while the Taylor Swifts of the world take over, but that's the way it is. And all the airbrushing and old pictures can't hide the fact that Randy Owen was just the singer in a Hall of Fame band with a great producer. Nice try, but without a radio hit, this CD is destined for the bargain bin.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars everything i thought it would be, November 8, 2008

By 

David W. Ashton (harrodsburg,ky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One on One (Audio CD)

i've been looking forward to the release of this cd since it was announced early this year.i'm glad to say i was not disappointed with it. randy owen is one of the greatest singers i've ever had the pleasure of hearing. being a fan of alabama for over 25 years i knew this would be a great project because he just a great singer and songwriter. this is a must for any fan of randy or alabama.

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!!!, May 26, 2009

By 

JeniLyn (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One on One (Audio CD)

I read several reviews before purchasing this CD and was shocked at what I read. I purchased this album in spite of all the negative reviews and I'm so glad I did. I do agree that this is not what you would have heard Alabama sing. But if you notice, Alabama is not on the cover. There was never any claim that this would be that style of music. If you wanted Alabama you should have searched the site for "Alabama". You were purchasing a Randy Owen CD. The group chose to retire. Now Randy Owen has entered a new chapter in his life and this is what he is drawn to do. It's rare to get a CD and love every song on it. In this case, I have enjoyed every song. I have also gone to his website and read the stories behind each song and it has brought out even more meaning to the songs. I love this CD and strongly recommend it.