Gill sways the heart
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Monday, February 08, 2010
2/08/10 at 8:24 AM
Each of Vince Gill's 11 original albums have charted in the Billboard top 10 in country. But this is his first album of exclusively love songs, drawn from his albums of 1996-2006.
It includes his hits "If I Didn't Have You in My World" from his 1991 double-platinum album, "Pocket Full Of Gold," and "Nothing Like a Woman," from the four-time platinum 1992 album, "I Still Believe in You."
The Norman-born country music superstar sways the heart with storytelling in "The Only Love." Its weepy sweet guitars and near-whisper vocals aurally entrance listeners.
"Faint of Heart" is a not-at-all timid jazz ballad featuring Diana Krall. It's perfect for fireside or poolside — cozy
and
cool.
The album is a little soft-hearted in the spontaneity zone, but that's OK if you have a romantic evening planned and want to keep the romance on an even keel. Gill's all about strength and vulnerability, and that's no contradiction.
"Given More Time" is straightforward but not heavy-handed. Its strength is in its hopeful delivery, slow-dance fiddles and enveloping sincerity. Likewise, "That Friend of Mine" hearkens bluegrass and balladry with a girl in an old work shirt.
Love Songs also revives the No. 2 country hit "Whenever You Come Around" and the No. 3 charting, Grammy-winning title track from 1994's album, "When Love Finds You," which sold more than 4 million copies.
Overall, "Love Songs" isn't astounding. It isn't weepy. It isn't melodramatic. But that's good. "Love Songs" is a solid and powerfully sincere time capsule of Gill's long and winding career.
LOVE SONGS
Artist: Vince Gill
Available at: In stores and online via digital music
retailers
Released: Jan. 26 via MCA Nashville/UMe
Rating: 92 (out of 100)
Download: “Faint of Heart,” “The Only Love,”
“Given More Time”
Jennifer Chancellor 581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Vince Gill is seen in the Crystal Pistol club before he went to the Cain's Ballroom last November to receive the Rotary Club of Will Rogers Spirit Award. TOM GILBERT / Tulsa World file
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