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Crystal Gayle: I've Cried The Blues Out Of My Eyes

amunrey@aol.com | USA | 11/21/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who listens to this first recording that the 18 year Crystal Gayle recorded for MCA, you will hear the making of a superstar and have a clear understanding why she became a favorite around the world. In addition, you will hear the influence of her older sister, Loretta Lynn, as well as many of the songs that were written for Crystal by Loretta. An excellant debut recording that started an incredible career filled with wonderful additions to the world of music."

Crystal at the VERY beginning--this is NOT her actual debut

Dave | United States | 12/31/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Based on the aforementioned reviews, there seems to be a considerable amount of confusion in regard to this release, & it's not hard to see why--the material on this CD is NOT what was on Crystal Gayle's official debut album which was released in 1975 on the United Artists label and was also self-titled. The recordings on this CD are from much earlier--I think they all date from 1970 or so. Quite frankly, they sound like they were recorded even earlier than that... Of the ten songs on this collection, none reach the 3 minute mark, & only a few are over 2 & ½. Then there's the music itself, with numerous tracks including corny backing vocals that sound like they've been beamed in straight from the early `60s, not to mention the characteristically `60s sound of the reverb on Crystal`s vocals, etc. Also, there's the teenage soap opera lyrics on "Mama It's Different This Time" (written by Crystal`s sister Loretta Lynn), the weepy, self-pitying "Everybody Oughta Cry", & the hilarious "M.R.S. Degree". The difference between the tracks on here compared to her classic Allen Reynolds-produced work from the '70s & early '80s is jolting. Don't get me wrong though--this is an interesting disc. There's no denying that it's really interesting to hear Crystal, one of the finest vocalists of all time, at this extremely early stage in her musical career. And indeed, Crystal's vocals are incredible even here--she grabs you the instant her voice comes floating out of the speakers on the lovely album opening ballad "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out Of My Eyes)" which was released as a single in 1970 & was an early hit for Crystal. The upbeat, brassy "Sparkin' Look Of Love" (also written by Lynn) is irresistibly fun, as is the aforementioned "M.R.S. Degree", & "Show Me How" is a nicely tuneful, highly enjoyable ballad as well. Overall, the performances are nice, despite all the corniness. This collection, which was released as a very low-priced, budget line disc, is definitely worth having for any serious Crystal fan."

Good start

Beth | Mesa, AZ United States | 02/29/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was Crystal's first album. Since this was under MCA, Crystal was looked at as Loretta's little sister. This shows through especially in the song Lynn penned Donna Fargo like song "Sparklin' Look of Love." It doesn't fit Crystal but she sings it with spunk anyway. Other than the two big hits this album made (Everyone Oughta Cry and the good sapper I've Cried the Blue Right Out of my Eyes) Clock on the Wall is another stand out."