Track Listings (14) - Disc #1| All Artists: George Jones Title: I Am What I Am Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Sony Original Release Date: 1/1/1980 Re-Release Date: 7/4/2000 Album Type: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Genres: Country, Pop Styles: Roadhouse Country, Classic Country Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 074646359129 |
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Search - George Jones :: I Am What I Am
 | George Jones I Am What I Am Genres: Country, Pop
In or out of context, George Jones's "comeback" album of 1980 is an unassailable classic of modern country music. Since 1975, Jones's solo career had been in a tailspin, taking him to the Top 10 only twice in four years, s... more » |
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Amazon.com essential recording In or out of context, George Jones's "comeback" album of 1980 is an unassailable classic of modern country music. Since 1975, Jones's solo career had been in a tailspin, taking him to the Top 10 only twice in four years, so that by late 1979, he had soused and doped his body from 150 to 100 pounds. He might have died, were it not for the musical and commercial resurrection of I Am What I Am. Produced by Billy Sherrill, the sound is stunningly advanced, full of complex, layered guitar tones, exquisitely placed harmonies, and an elegant melding of lyrical spaciousness and hard honky-tonk. Opening with perhaps the greatest country single ever, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," Jones lends both a regal authority and a humble sorrow to lyric after lyric, all uniformly graceful and stately. The only weak track is "His Lovin' Her Is Gettin' in My Way," an anticipation of the cloying bounce of Hot Country, though even that slight number is redeemed by Jones's underrated comic gifts. This 2000 reissue includes a wise essay by Glenn Gass, a personal reflection by the Possum himself, and four previously unreleased cuts, all of which are as memorable as the haunting, original recordings themselves. Essential doesn't begin to describe the treasures you'll find here. --Roy Kasten Similar CDs
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CD ReviewsSplendid reissue of one of Country's greatest LPs hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/18/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "This recording is perhaps the single greatest refutation to the oft repeated canard that singer-songwriters are inherently superior to those who sing the songs of others. As the liner notes say, "George Jones is the Sinatra of Country music," and this is perhaps the greatest testament to his mastery. Jones might just as well have written each of the ten originals and four bonus tracks. He possesses the lyrics with a soul baring ache that brings his storied personal scars to the microphone. And all of this despite the 1980 trappings of leisure suits, scary hair and the Nashville Sound.While considered a come-back after a period of relative chart inactivity, this is clearly the product of Jones' incubation of both his talent and his troubles. His years on the road provided him with a mastery of his voice, and his personal and domestic problems provided the emotional fuel. From the stellar lead single "He Stopped Loving Her Today," through heart-wrenching ballads like "I've Aged Twenty Years in Five" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)" to upbeat tunes like "A Hard Act to Follow" and "Bone Dry," Jones doesn't falter for a second. He attaches himself to every word, and leaves the listener hanging on to every emotional turn.Billy Sherrill tempers his normal Countrypolitan excesses, and though the production has many of the typical Nashville 80s touches, it stays mostly in support of Jones' singing. And a few touches, like the layering of background harmonies and the Spectorian swell of strings on "He Stopped Loving Her Today" are positively breathtaking.One of the greatest records from one of the greatest voices ever to sing. Augmented by four bonus tracks, each of which measure up to the original ten. 'Nuff said." Jones' best album Jake Z | Canada | 09/13/2004 (5 out of 5 stars) "This album, released in 1980, marked the return of George Jones. At least artistically. The album became one of his biggest and most successful. Jones gives a good performance throughout that is restrained, but strong. The album spawned three big hits. "He Stopped Loving Her Today", which in my opinion is a great country song and one of his best and most moving hits. "I'm Not Ready Yet" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)" were the other hits from teh album. The remaining tracks are exceptionally strong, without a weak track in the bunch. The songs are simple, direct, and emotionally powerful, even with the smooth production. This album is the sound of George Jones at his peak and it's the highlight of his later years. The album also features 4 bonus tracks." George Jones' Come back album Came back again!! CJK78@msn.com | Clearwater, Mn United States | 03/08/2003 (5 out of 5 stars) "The GREATEST country singer, made the GREATEST country album in 1980. And now re-released it is MY favorite country Album. Modern country can't touch this album. This goes back to when Country music WAS country music, the same country music George Jones sings today!! He stopped loving her today, I've aged Twenty years in five, His lovin' her is gettin' in my way, and Bone Dry are the Raw testimony of George Jones. Though he may not have written all the songs on the album, He may as well have. Because he has been through it, he lived every word in every song!! GEORGE JONES is REAL COUNTRY!!"
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