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 review of Gene Watson's
'Old Loves Never Die' (MCA Records, 1981), as published in the December 1981
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.
Old Loves Never Die (MCA Records, 1981)
This review by Alan Cackett, which was published in the December 1981 issue
of Country Music People, is reproduced here with the kind permission of the
publishers.
Album Review by Alan Cackett
(**** out of 5)
'Watson re-affirms his reputation as one of the finest country singers with
this album containing a wide variety of songs. He tackles them with a
straight-forward interpretation and innocence that leaves nothing to the
imagination.
The title tune sets the mood for the album; slow, moody, soulful. That
track also establishes the basic musical pattern of the album; acoustic
guitars dominating with the electric instruments lending colour and
occasionally coming forward to take the lead as they do quite effectively on
'Speak softly (you're talking to my heart)'.
On 'Til Melinda comes around', a Glenn Ray song about a man's temptation
with a former lover, and Buzz Rabin's 'Roads & other reasons', Watson proves
he can handle soft and sensuous ballads as well as the hard country songs
that initially established him. His singing throughout is superb,
brilliantly recorded and in perfect unison with the backing sounds. All in
all, soft and pleasant fine country music'.
Alan Cackett
Country Music People
December 1981
