From the Heart

Gene Watson

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2001)
• Original Release Date: September 11, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Row Music Group
• ASIN: B00005NT4Q
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #156,978 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Gene Watson's heyday stretched from the mid 1970s to the late 1980s when hits like "Fourteen Carat Mind" proclaimed his gifts to the world. On this, his first new album in several years, Watson's burnished, searing voice remains a model of traditionalist integrity, one he and coproducer Ray Pennington ably apply to a mix of material. "Next to Nothin'" mixes longing, pain, and anxiety in a package worthy of (or perhaps too good for) radio airplay. Watson's versatility remains an asset. His sweetly romantic side embraces "She Had Me," balanced by the acerbically witty "No Trash in My Trailer." "Would It Be Cheatin'" equals any contemporary power ballad. It's no surprise that Watson makes both Boudleaux Bryant's classic ballad "Take Me As I Am or Let Me Go" and Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors" his own. With pedal steel great Buddy Emmons making a rare recording-session appearance, Watson reveals himself equal to anyone in today's Top 10. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New music too country for radio., January 19, 2002

By	Ronald D. Page (West Chester, OH United States) - See all my reviews

... Okay, so I'm told WSM plays it once in awhile.

Here again, I learned about more great country music on The Steel Guitar Forum, ... . By the way, if you happen by be sure and say hello to Gregg Galbraith (lead guitar) and Buddy Emmons (steel) who get it done on this album.

Taking a play from Merle Haggard, Gene puts a wrinkle or two in here that are specifically intended to get the attention of his long-time fans. If you liked his vocal ending on his biggest hit, "Farewell Party", then you'll see what I mean.

A great band delivers clean and splendid lead guitar, fiddles and steel. The song writing is supurb! Small wonder, with pen names including Bill Anderson, Leslie Satcher, Max T. Barnes, Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer. I think country songwriters are at their best when playing off the ambiguity of a common phrase. So "No Trash in My Trailer", "Would It Be Cheatin'" and "Drivin' Me Sane" are my favorite tracks.

It's a shame that many newer fans of country music may never become aware of this great singer and his NEW music.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of his very best, October 8, 2001

By	Mary Ann Keddy (Berwick, Nova Scotia Canada) - See all my reviews

I feel this is one of Gene Watson's best yet. Folks, I have them all!!. It's been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.There is not one song on it, I didn't like. As a long time fan, I recommend this to others, fans or not. He is so underrated as a singer, but he's still # one. It's a must for all country music fans.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back to the Heart of Country, September 29, 2001

By	T. Yap "thy4568" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Produced by former SOR label chief and Watson's former helmsman Ray Pennington and Gene Watson himself, the CD is a testament to that country music is still alive and well. Without any attempts to crossover to Nashpop, fiddles, steel guitars lead the forray. Traditional country themes also abound: cheating ("Would It Be Cheatin'"), rodeo ("This Circus That You Call a Rodeo"), blue collar labor ("The Man An' Me and You"), heartbreak ("I Never Go Around Heartbreak")and so on.

Though this album is country through and through, it is by no means short of today's best writers. Big names in today's country biz have made their contribution: Leslie Satcher, Skip Ewing, Bill Anderson, Eddy Raven, Steve Dean, Frank Myers, Michael White, Bryon Hill among many others. Naturally, the songs here are all top notched: Leslie Satcher (writer for Martina McBride)and Max T. Barnes' "When You're Not Looking Back" is packed with emotions. On the other hand, Tommy Roco and A. J. Masters' "She Had Me" is a moving tribute of the virtues of the ideal woman. "Next to Nothin'" is Watson's attempt to sound contemporary but yet still keeping it within the country fold.

Watson even revives Keith Whitley's "I Never Go Around Mirrors." Although Watson brings nothing new to this chesnutt but one never gets tired of hearing it again. The other cover is the less impressive "Take Me As I Am" (formally done by Ray Price, and subsequently by Mack White and Bobby Bare later).

Watson even tries to be witty on "No Trash in My Trailer," which unfortunately did not impress me. However, there are more songs that have impressed than those that have not. This CD may not cause a ripple on the charts but it's a strong reminder that country music is not dead.