Customer Reviews

One on One

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Randy sooooo good to hear your voice again.... this is a great heart felt album.. every song is a Randy song,sung with heart and excellence. No one can sing a love song like him.. and Braid my hair is a special song for us all..... fans you will love this album and it will keep you tuned in to your Alabama days... I am go grateful Randy did this cut... DON'T HESITATE TO GET IT

I like Randy's come out album, however..I felt there were a couple of songs in which he should not have sung. Over all, not bad for his first solo album and I look forward to hearing from him again.

Of course, I albsolutely love him and enjoyed his book immensely!

Dont' expect the kind of music we got from Alabama. I was disappointed with the quality of the songs.

It is good to hear that "Golden Voice" again. Whether w/ Alabama or on his own, there is just something about Randys' singing and choice of songs that just makes you feel good. I absolutely just love what Randy did with that song "Braid My Hair". It's a beautiful song of hope & inspiration that deals with cancer and one of it's many affects like Chemo and hair loss. In my mind (every time I hear it) I dedicate that song to my Mom who lost her battle with cancer last year.
I also appreciate Randys'song "Pray Me Back Home" which he wrote after the events of 9/11! Being originally from N.Y. that song touches my soul.
God Bless You Randy--you've been missed !

Oakland, Maine

The majority of Randy Owen's first solo release is filled with well-sung slow and mid-tempo ballads, which is surprising since John Rich co-produced the recording.

I didn't expect an Alabama cd, but it would have been wise for Randy to include more up-tempo tunes to balance things out. Maybe next time.

Prime Cuts: Braid My Hair, No One Can Love You Anymore, One on One

Alabama once had the iron clasp on the country charts with 42 number one hits and selling a staggering 73 million records. However, how the times have changed. With the turn of the millennium, these Country Hall of Fame receipts were struggling to etch a top 40 hit with their last major hit being the unfortunately titled "When It All Goes South." Fast forward a few years, the band is now without a major label contract and they have retired from touring. Nevertheless, such an ill-fated turn of events has not deterred Alabama's lead singer Randy Owen. Instead of resting in his laurels of past glories, Owen has decided to chart history again with this solo record. Just like John Anderson, Gretchen Wilson, Jewel, James Otto and Shannon Brown, Owen has enlisted one of Nashville's hottest producers John Rich (of the Big and Rich fame) to helm this new effort. Though Rich brings a much up-to-date lucrative feel to these paeans Owen has not abandoned his adroit ability to pick the right songs. Just like on those Alabama records, Owen wraps each note carefully with is warm (and at times husky) baritone making this truly giving this record a "one-on-one" intimacy.

After all these years, the undeniable métier of Owen is ability to conjure up heartfelt emotions through the ballads that he sings. No exception is the lead single "Braid My Hair," a tearjerker of a story song told of a little girl's wish of one day being able to braid her own hair after her chemo therapy treatments. Such exposition of real life narratives together with Owen's emotional rich delivery, truly make "Braid My Hair" a great song. Also, equally moving is the romantic "One on One," a blatant love song with a somber pandering of the piano, calls to mind the intimacy of Alabama's monster hit "Face to Face." Following in the grand tradition of great Alabama wedding anthems such as "Forever As Far As I'll Go" and "There's No Way," "No One Can Love You Anymore" is one of those big love bombastic ballads that still sounds so convincing and romantic. Similarly, ballad fans are sure to swoon with delight over the John Rich, Shannon Lawson and Randy Owen co-write "Let's Pretend We're Strangers Again" with its heart tugging message of a desperate couple trying to re-ignite their passions again.

Not that all is soft and mushy, Owen does kick off the disc with the propulsive "I Confess" (coming from the pens of Randy Owen, John Rich and James Otto) heightened by some searing 80s rock guitar and keyboard flourishes. A surprising writer to appear on the credits is Dolly Parton who penned "Holding Everything." It's a pretty average uptempo love song here finding Owen dueting with the average-sounding newbie Megan Mullins. If it were Parton herself singing with Owen that would certainly increase the aural equity of the song. Much better is the "Barbados," a breezy and relaxing mid-tempo that triumphs on its well researched details of the island nation. "Urban's on the Country Radio," a upbeat number with an excellent thumping baseline, was written by Owen himself after hearing continuously Keith Urban on country radio while he was in the subway.

The CD ends with a real dud "Pray Me Back Home Again," a reflective ballad of the events after 9/11. In a desperate attempt to be inspirational, Owen mixes everything stereo-typical into it: from the Lord's Prayer to the Pledge of Allegiance. And the end result is that "Pray Me Back Home" is so cheesy that it becomes a textbook example of how to write the most cliché song at the same time exploiting religion, patriotism and country music. Other than "Pray Me Back Home," "One on One" is a good solo debut for this veteran who has taken the best from his Alabama days and mixing it just right with the contemporary sounds of today (thanks to Rich).

Prime Cuts: Braid My Hair, No One Can Love You Anymore, One on One

Alabama once had the iron clasp on the country charts with 42 number one hits and selling a staggering 73 million records. However, how the times have changed. With the turn of the millennium, these Country Hall of Fame receipts were struggling to etch a top 40 hit with their last major hit being the unfortunately titled "When It All Goes South." Fast forward a few years, the band is now without a major label contract and they have retired from touring. Nevertheless, such an ill-fated turn of events has not deterred Alabama's lead singer Randy Owen. Instead of resting in his laurels of past glories, Owen has decided to chart history again with this solo record. Just like John Anderson, Gretchen Wilson, Jewel, James Otto and Shannon Brown, Owen has enlisted one of Nashville's hottest producers John Rich (of the Big and Rich fame) to helm this new effort. Though Rich brings a much up-to-date lucrative feel to these paeans Owen has not abandoned his adroit ability to pick the right songs. Just like on those Alabama records, Owen wraps each note carefully with is warm (and at times husky) baritone making this truly giving this record a "one-on-one" intimacy.

After all these years, the undeniable métier of Owen is ability to conjure up heartfelt emotions through the ballads that he sings. No exception is the lead single "Braid My Hair," a tearjerker of a story song told of a little girl's wish of one day being able to braid her own hair after her chemo therapy treatments. Such exposition of real life narratives together with Owen's emotional rich delivery, truly make "Braid My Hair" a great song. Also, equally moving is the romantic "One on One," a blatant love song with a somber pandering of the piano, calls to mind the intimacy of Alabama's monster hit "Face to Face." Following in the grand tradition of great Alabama wedding anthems such as "Forever As Far As I'll Go" and "There's No Way," "No One Can Love You Anymore" is one of those big love bombastic ballads that still sounds so convincing and romantic. Similarly, ballad fans are sure to swoon with delight over the John Rich, Shannon Lawson and Randy Owen co-write "Let's Pretend We're Strangers Again" with its heart tugging message of a desperate couple trying to re-ignite their passions again.

Not that all is soft and mushy, Owen does kick off the disc with the propulsive "I Confess" (coming from the pens of Randy Owen, John Rich and James Otto) heightened by some searing 80s rock guitar and keyboard flourishes. A surprising writer to appear on the credits is Dolly Parton who penned "Holding Everything." It's a pretty average uptempo love song here finding Owen dueting with the average-sounding newbie Megan Mullins. If it were Parton herself singing with Owen that would certainly increase the aural equity of the song. Much better is the "Barbados," a breezy and relaxing mid-tempo that triumphs on its well researched details of the island nation. "Urban's on the Country Radio," a upbeat number with an excellent thumping baseline, was written by Owen himself after hearing continuously Keith Urban on country radio while he was in the subway.

The CD ends with a real dud "Pray Me Back Home Again," a reflective ballad of the events after 9/11. In a desperate attempt to be inspirational, Owen mixes everything stereo-typical into it: from the Lord's Prayer to the Pledge of Allegiance. And the end result is that "Pray Me Back Home" is so cheesy that it becomes a textbook example of how to write the most cliché song at the same time exploiting religion, patriotism and country music. Other than "Pray Me Back Home," "One on One" is a good solo debut for this veteran who has taken the best from his Alabama days and mixing it just right with the contemporary sounds of today (thanks to Rich).