Gene Watson: CMP Album Reviews
Gene Watson has been singing professionally since the late 1950s & has been
a country music (album) recording artist since the late 1960s.
Gene Watson steps into a recording studio and, like a great chef, uses the
perfect ingredients to create an aural feast. When Gene Watson takes a step
behind the microphone, magic happens.
Gene Watson's contribution to the country music genre is immeasurable and it
is here that you have an opportunity to read a CMP review of Gene Watson's
'Greatest Hits' (Curb Records, 1990), as published in the
February 1991
issue of Country Music People.
Country Music People is the United Kingdom's No. 1 Award Winning Country
Music Magazine, and was the recipient of the Country Music Association's
2003 Wesley Rose International Achievement Award.
Country Music People was first published in 1970 and protects its integrity
fiercely. The magazine has always brought its readers detailed, honest
record reviews untainted by advertising considerations, as well as genuine
interviews with country stars that are not faked from interview discs sent
out by publicists and record labels.
Country Music People have
long ago nailed its colours to the mast where Gene Watson is concerned.
The magazine has rigorously championed Gene's cause down through the years
and have published a number of reviews of his album releases.
All reviews have been reproduced with the kind permission
of Country Music People.
'Gene Watson:
Greatest Hits' (Curb Records, 1990)
This CMP review by Craig Baguley, which was published in the February 1991 issue
of Country Music People, is reproduced here with the kind permission of the
publishers.
Album Review by Craig Baguley
(***** out of 5)
'Between 1975 and 1984, Gene Watson's pure brand of honky tonk balladry
enjoyed immense success on the country charts via the Capitol and MCA
labels. Then, despite a Top 5 entry in 1985 with his debut single on Epic,
'Memories to burn', the Texan's career went into a dive. The country music
world ignored him and Watson admits he gave serious thought to quitting the
game for good.
In 1988, Lib Hatcher (of
Randy Travis
fame) appeared on the scene like a
guardian angel and took Watson under her wing, gaining him a new record deal
with Warner Brothers. Alas, that relationship has now soured with the news
that each has issued a suit against the other over management fees.
Although he has a new album out on WB, I hope his problems with Hatcher don't
hang a question mark over his label contract.
Gene Watson, by an accident of birth, just happens to be one of the greatest
exponents of honky tonk this li'l ol' world has ever seen and those in power
should be thoroughly ashamed of having allowed the artist to slip from grace
these past few years.
This compilation of hits includes some of Watson's greatest recordings.
No-one can question the classic status of the lengthy 'Farewell party', or
the erotic duo of 'Love in the hot afternoon' and 'Where love begins' (the
line 'c'mere, let me take down your hair' always floors me) while on the
plaintive and tenderly-delivered 'I don't need a thing at all' the singer
raises country vocalising to the level of high art. And that standard
hardly falters throughout this formidable set.
I always remember the first time I saw Watson live. It was at Nashville's
Exit Inn in the mid 70s and, resplendent in a sparkling green Nudie
creation, the man put on a killer show that I've never forgotten. I hope
for my sake and for all true country music fans that Gene Watson can regain
the status that is deservedly his'.
Craig Baguley
Country Music People
February 1991
