No one sings about wedding rings better than Randy Travis. He launched his career with a song about a man staring at the ring "On the Other Hand." On "Day One" from this album, a man stares at the ring his wife left behind... more », and the bottomless ache of Travis's baritone purr captures the husband's anguish. Real country music is marriage music. It's not about brand-new love; it's about love that's been around the block a few times, and Travis makes you hear the history behind every betrayal, every separation, every reconciliation. Coproducers James Stroud and Byron Gallimore crank up the pop-rock drums and guitars, but in the center of it all is one of the greatest country voices of all time. Not all the material is worthy of that voice, but when Travis sings about a macho husband falling apart or a wife getting ready to leave or a husband inadvertently mentioning the other woman, no one can touch him. Who else under the age of 50 could be as convincing on a song called "The Family Bible and the Farmer's Almanac"? --Geoffrey Himes« less
No one sings about wedding rings better than Randy Travis. He launched his career with a song about a man staring at the ring "On the Other Hand." On "Day One" from this album, a man stares at the ring his wife left behind, and the bottomless ache of Travis's baritone purr captures the husband's anguish. Real country music is marriage music. It's not about brand-new love; it's about love that's been around the block a few times, and Travis makes you hear the history behind every betrayal, every separation, every reconciliation. Coproducers James Stroud and Byron Gallimore crank up the pop-rock drums and guitars, but in the center of it all is one of the greatest country voices of all time. Not all the material is worthy of that voice, but when Travis sings about a macho husband falling apart or a wife getting ready to leave or a husband inadvertently mentioning the other woman, no one can touch him. Who else under the age of 50 could be as convincing on a song called "The Family Bible and the Farmer's Almanac"? --Geoffrey Himes
"Randy Travis continues to record sturdy, traditional country albums. The title song captures the very essence and ambivalence of masculinity in today's world: vulnerability hidden beneath an outer show of strength. "Where Can I Surrender" is a chill-inducing ballad that depicts imprisonment as a metaphor for love (The hairs on the back of my neck quiver each time I hear this song). In "I'll Be Right Here Loving You," Randy blends country sensibility with rap rhythm for a nifty, up-tempo tune. "A Little Left of Center" directs its aim at love's quirky bullseye, while the sorrowful "Day One" describes all the pain and frustration of a relationship that has ended sadly. Overall, this is a solid album. It is also one of his "loudest," with muscular, and at times overpowering, musical arrangements. I agree with another reviewer who prefers the "lean," pared-down sound of earlier albums. Randy Travis is "The Voice" of today's country music, so it's only fitting that his clear, mournful baritone should be the dominant sound on every album. Dreamworks music executives please take note: provide Randy with minimal background arrangements and let his voice and talent do the rest of the work. Other Randy Travis albums to consider: You and You Alone, Full Circle, This Is Me, High Lonesome"
Randy Travis has a winner in this new release.
Larry Fangman | Elkhorn, Nebraska | 11/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the second straight Travis album I have bought on the first day of release, and it was worth it. The title track is awesome, but just as good if not better is the irrestible, "13 Mile Goodbye." It showcases his vocals and the song is a great idea. While the last album was about how to live one's life, this album gets back to love songs. I like the variety of his albums. I can't wait until his next CD comes out!"
Incredible
Larry Fangman | 09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is country music at it's very best. It is what it use sound like before the pop invasion.Travis takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride...it dips and climbs all in the right places. And like a roller coaster it speeds up and slows down so you can feel and enjoy the thrill that the music gives the heart.There are chill bumps aplenty here. The first single , the title cut" A Man Aint Made of Stone" is just the first of many on this offering that creates such an emotional impact.Randy proves once again that good songs sung with emotional integrity and genuine sincerity can make for mighty good listening pleasure...even when it is this traditional."
Pure Randy Travis
Larry Fangman | 09/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every once in a long while, I find a CD that I love on the first listen. Invariably these CD's become some of my most treasured. This is one of those CD's. Is every song perfect? Perhaps not, but the majority are, and those that miss don't miss the mark far. I would highly recommend this CD to any classic country fan, RT fan, or anyone that wishes to hear pure country at it's best."