Search - Hal Ketchum :: Lucky Man

Fresh and Poignant

Robert Vallecillo | Metairie, LA United States | 10/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After the critically acclaimed, "Awaiting Redemption," I was waiting to see what Hal would have to offer next. This collection (produced by Rodney Crowell) is full of great songs penned by Hal and several other talented writers. Opening the set with the strong and melodic "(She's Something) You're Everything," Hal moves from tune to tune with mastery. Other strong cuts are: "That's How Much you Mean To Me," "Loving You Makes Me A Better Man," " Dreams of Martina," "Two Of The Lucky Ones (with Dolly)," and "Livin' Life Lovin' You." The gems in this collection that stand out for their artistic value are the Ketchum penned "She's Still In Love," "Richest Man In Texas," which is true to Hal's earliest writing style and more reminiscent of the tunes on "Sure Love", and the deeply moving "She Is," penned for his beautiful wife, Gina. The stinker in the collection is the out-of-place remake of Roy Hamilton's 1958 pop hit, "Don't Let Go." Hal's musical influence continues to grow in the Americana music industry as does his songwriting talents; ever changing. I don't believe his intentions are to garner radio airplay as much as to turn out the best songs his pen can create. This is where he finds success and satisfaction!"

He's Baaack

Catwoman | New York, USA | 01/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! I am already incredibly impressed. Man, I am so glad to see that he has an album that will send him back to the top of the charts where he belongs.Take a listen to "Don't Let Go" and the duet with Dolly Parton "Two of the Lucky Ones" if you don't believe that Hal Ketchum is one of the most talented artists of our time. Thank goodness for Rodney Crowell's (the producer of this album) insight and expertise to perfectly blend the 'radio friendly' songs with the trademark Hal Ketchum without losing an ounce of the soul and essence that we have all come to know and love as Hal Ketchum.I highly recommend this album to any music fan, and it is an essential part of any Hal Ketchum fan's collection."

Love's all Hal sings to

Jack Williams | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | 07/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Man this guy is good.Since Hal Ketchum's first record on the Watermelon label many years ago, he's been singing about love and where it's leading. Through the years, that destination's not always been clear, though now, like a man twice redeemed and this time for good, he offers us this excellent record rich with the theme of love's many blessings.Throughout this record Ketchum shows the growth that's made his later works so consistently good -- high-caliber songwriting, a unique voice, and enough honest style and delivery to make the common extraordinary. "The Richest Man in Texas," the album's best song, sets this out plainly, with nearly sentimental lyrics that Ketchum elevates with his perfect delivery. The remaining songs are equally well-crafted, with 2 notable exceptions. The record includes not one but two duets, one with Dolly Parton and the other with Lisa Brokop, and they're simply awful. Out of place, they seem like last minute efforts to make the record more radio-friendly, and they're decided stinkers.Ketchum's so consistently good it's hard not to crave some luck for him to return to the commercial success he had with his first two major releases, though that doesn't seem meant to be. Still, Ketchum appears content to show his growth. 15 years ago he sang that love's a word far better left unsaid. Today, he's less poetic and more sincere, proof if we needed it that our best singer/songwriters grow with age, and to have 10 songs about love from someone of Ketchum's level is a stroke of luck indeed."