Search - Oak Ridge Boys :: Have Arrived

The Oaks contiue going strong

Kyle | 04/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album was the third totally-country release from the Oaks. By this time, the Oaks were fairly well-established in the country field (thus the title "Have Arrived"), and they decide to venture a little further with their material.Included in this release are three top-five hits: the dreamy "Sail Away" (still a favorite at concerts), "Dream On," a cover of an old Righteous Brothers tune, and "Leavin' Louisiana," an upbeat, tongue-in-cheek story of a traveling saleman in Louisiana. Also included is "Dancing The Night Away" a long-time concert pleaser), and a bouncy, delightfully raw-sounding rendition of "My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me."This time around, the Boys utilized more instrumentation. This is the first ORB country album to feature a full horn section (evident on "My Radio" and "There Must Be Something About Me That She Loves"). They are not overused, however, staying subtle, yet refreshing.The Oaks' gospel roots are still evident on this album. "Dig A Little Deeper In The Well" could just as easily have been cut by the Cathedrals as the Boys.My two favorite cuts, however, are the two power ballads that Duane Allen really shines on. "Sometimes The Rain Won't Let Me Sleep" is a tear-jerking sad story of memories and those "little things that remind you..." "Every Now And Then" deals with two close friends who are there for each other, but afraid to commit solely to each other.The production on this album is noticably 70's (which gives it that nostalgic feeling), yet is still enjoyable even today (especially with today's country music production values going DOWN THE TUBES!).This is a great effort by the Oaks, and definitely one worth buying."

Brilliant gospel-flavored country

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 04/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Oaks (as they are generally known) began as a gospel group but switched to country music in the mid-seventies. This album includes three major country hits, these being Sail away (a song that Kenny Rogers also recorded), Dream on (a cover of an obscure Righteous brothers song) and Leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight (a Rodney Crowell song also recorded by Emmylou). One other song may sound familiar - Dancing the night away, written and originally recorded by the Amazing Rhythm Aces. This song became a country top ten hit for Tanya Tucker and has also been covered by Leo Sayer and Crystal Gayle.Of the other songs (all excellent), their gospel roots are most obvious on Dig a little deeper in the well. Most of the songs are upbeat but there are some fine ballads too, notably Sometimes the rain won't let me sleep and Every now and then.If you love traditional country music, this album, Y'all come back saloon, Room service and Together are worth seeking out. Most of the country hits from these albums can be found on Greatest hits volume 1, which I've already reviewed. After that, the Oaks continued to make excellent music, but in a pop-country style."

Great and Getting Better !

Jim Harrison | Soddy Daisy, TN USA | 01/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the fall of 1980 I met the Oaks for the first time. I have seen them preform many times since. They have only gotten better with age. They could sing Turkey In The Straw and make it sound good. They need to put out more music, I have all their tapes & CD's and look forward to our next meeting . Come on OAK'S we need more music."