Having earned respect for creating mainstream country that proudly maintains a deep vein of traditional elements, Vince Gill draws from a broader palette on this unusually lengthy offering of originals and collaborations. ... more »Honoring styles that inspired him, he zigzags from rockabilly (the opening title track) to the Beatle-esque ballad "Someday" (cowritten with Richard Marx) into unfettered traditionalism on the shuffle "Without You," the majestic "Two Hearts," and the Merle Haggard tribute "Real Mean Bottle." His philosophical "Young Man's Town" could easily be a commentary on today's Nashville. While he could have dropped a couple of the more-mundane numbers (especially the clichéd cantina ditty "We Had It All"), he projects the same clean consistency that's marked all his work. True, he takes few risks, but then the cutting edge was never his chosen place. And as the album's sole producer, he shows better sense than most current Nashville producers. Gill, the omnipresent guest harmony singer on so many others' records, used surprisingly few guests himself, which keeps the focus where it belongs. --Rich Kienzle« less
Having earned respect for creating mainstream country that proudly maintains a deep vein of traditional elements, Vince Gill draws from a broader palette on this unusually lengthy offering of originals and collaborations. Honoring styles that inspired him, he zigzags from rockabilly (the opening title track) to the Beatle-esque ballad "Someday" (cowritten with Richard Marx) into unfettered traditionalism on the shuffle "Without You," the majestic "Two Hearts," and the Merle Haggard tribute "Real Mean Bottle." His philosophical "Young Man's Town" could easily be a commentary on today's Nashville. While he could have dropped a couple of the more-mundane numbers (especially the clichéd cantina ditty "We Had It All"), he projects the same clean consistency that's marked all his work. True, he takes few risks, but then the cutting edge was never his chosen place. And as the album's sole producer, he shows better sense than most current Nashville producers. Gill, the omnipresent guest harmony singer on so many others' records, used surprisingly few guests himself, which keeps the focus where it belongs. --Rich Kienzle
"Vince has offered up a 17 song set (practically two CDs worth of music for the price of one) without a single weak song on the
CD. As always, he is a triple threat as a great singer,songwriter and musician. Vince shows us again all that is good about contemporary country music today (This CD is on par with his classic "The Key" from 1998).Songs range from hard core country ("Two Hearts", "Without You", "Old Time Fiddle") to strong ballads ("Someday" & "In These Last Few Days), to mid tempo country/pop ("She Never Makes Me Cry" & "We Had It ALL") to rockin country ("Next Big Thing").Especially moving is his nod to getting older and being comfortable with it in "Young Man's Town" (destined to be a classic song!), the Merle haggard tribute in "Real Mean Bottle" and the sentimental life's journey song "This Old Guitar and Me".The songwriting is exceptionally strong and Vince proves he can produce his own music without Tony Brown. I have no doubt this will be the next big hit for Vince Gill!
I highly recommend this CD."
This CD is "the next big thing."
02/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vince has done it this time. The title cut off this album tells the whole story. Vince is back big time and this CD is "THE NEXT BIG THING". The album is long with 17 cuts but it is well worth the time it takes to listen. Like he says, this album is all over the map. From true country (Real Mean Bottle), to Cajun sounding (Old Time Fiddle), to a Spanish flair (We Had it All). "This Old Guitar and Me" is nostalgic and reminiscent of The Key To Life. "A Young Man's Town" tells it like it is in the music business. No bitterness about changing times and careers slowing down. "Whippoorwill River" is a special song. Simple and just plain good with Jenny Gill singing background vocals. "In These Last Few Days" Amy Grant sings with her husband and this is a song of the times. Time is precious in these last few days. Put this album in you shopping cart and you will not be disappointed."
A diverse--yet fullfilling--CD!
DanD | 02/20/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vince Gill has long been trustworthy to put out good music that people like and relate to. "Next Big Thing" is no exception. In these 17 tracks you will hear all different sounds, from Hispanic-tinged to traditional to pop-esque, and you will like all of it, I promise!The title track is a quirky little number, as is the traditional "Without You." Also providing a little up-beat temp are "The Sun's Gonna Shine on You" (a feel-good little number), "Old Time Fiddle" (tribute to the instrument that defines down-home country music), "Don't Let Her Get Away" (a "we all want to be in your shoes" number), and "Real Mean Bottle" (a tribute to the great "old" singers of country music)."Young Man's Town" explores the process of aging, waking up to find you're "out of date." "She Never Makes Me Cry" is a run-in with your old flame. "Someday" is a hopeful ballad of love arriving; "These Broken Hearts" is its exact opposite. "From Where I Stand" details the loyalties of marriage, and the things we occasionally turn down because of it. "This Old Guitar and Me" chronicals one man--Vince Gill?--and his six-string. "In These Last Few Days" is a romantic number, heavily pop-influenced but still country, featuring his wife on harmonies.Granted, those aren't all the tunes on here. I just gave you a helping, because I wouldn't want to go and spoil the whole package, would I? This CD may seem long, but the time will fly by quickly, as you will get lost in Gill's lyrics and guitar riffs. Trust me, "Next Big Thing" by Vince Gill is worth the purchase. Who knows? It might be the "next big thing" in your CD collection!"
Vince, His Guitar, and Great Music
James M Wolgamuth | Springfield, Mo United States | 02/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vince Gill has once again captured the spirit of country music with his new album. If there is at least one Vince Gill song you have liked in the past, you will love this album. With 17 songs to chose from (and there is not a dull one in the bunch) it is too hard to list 1, 2 or even 3 favorites. From smooth country ballads, Someday and From Where I Stand, that are his signature to the old swing songs reminds you of When I call Your Name in the new In These Last Few Days to on old fashioned hoe down with Old Time Fiddle (like you never get to hear any more, Vince's smooth tenor, hot guitar pickin' and a plethora of sound support with background vocals from daughter Jenny Gill, Amy Grant, Lee Ann Womack, Dawn Sears, Emmylou Harris make this a very well produced and solid album. Don't forget the range of instruments hears from Vince's own hand on mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, The Nashville String Machine and the brass section of trombones, trumpets. Don't let the above scare you, there is plenty of haunting steel guitar solos and the grace and harmony of the mandolin to sooth anyone country craving. An absolute MUST BY for any fan of real music from a real artist."
Wow!
Daniel J. Herrmann | Chester Springs, PA USA | 02/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The CD is his best. What else can be said...Except this - my review of his concert tour in support of this awesome album (Philly - Feb. 15)My wife and I have been to many concerts (over 100?) since we've been together (5 years +), and last night's concert was quite possibly THE BEST we've ever been to. This was the 3rd time we've been to a Vince Gill concert, and he was better than ever. The band consisted of 2 keyboard players, a fiddle player, drummer, bass player, steel guitar, "blues" -style guitar, and rhythm/vocal backup and Vince himself. It was a cold night in Philly, and standing line made me think I was back in my hometown of Buffalo. The staff of the Troc had a good system to get everybody in quickly. We took our place about 9 feet from the stage, and stood for the entire 3 hour long concert. That's right - 3 Hours of Springsteen-esque drive, passion, and awesome music. The whole band was dressed casually (jeans and casual shirts) and you realy felt like you were in a small local bar (non-smoking, thanfully!) to hear the local favorites. But here was Mr. Gill. One of our most accomplished singer/songwriters. With his extraordinarily professional bandmates. What a setup! He started by rolling off 6 or 7 of his past #1 hits. All wonderful! But then it got interesting. Vince invited us to a listening party for his new CD. He then proceeded to play ALL 17 SONGS off his new (and best, IMHO) CD. That's right - ALL 17! Every song had a story and the band took frequent opportunities to jam. Each song was tight, professional, and they sounded sooooo good in the small venue. None of that arena echo. None of that arena "glitz and glamour". We were here for the music, and Vince and the band provided it in copious quanities with exceptional quality. Well - after 17 songs, he did another 7 or 8 #1's from his past. He took a few requests from the crowd, and the band followed his lead flawlessly. The set list was a full page of super music and we left tired but completely thrilled. I've seen Clapton, McCartney, Springsteen. I've seen Knopfler, Atkins, and Chris Thiele. Great musicians of our time, and all their shows were great. But last night was the best. Do whatever you can to see this show. You'll be glad you did!"