The Things That Matter
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 November, 2000)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

Early Album by Vince Gill
Just by looking at the cover of this album you see how different Vince Gill looks so different in 1985 when it was released. This is a very good overlooked album in the early days of Vince Gill when he was with RCA at the time. It is a small record only 8 songs and it contained 2 top 10 hits like If it weren't for him with Roseanne Cash and Oklahoma Borderline also two top 40's True Love and With You. The Remaining 4 songs are just as good probably though the standout track here is Colder Than Winter it is probably one of the best songs ever in my opinion and it is on this rarely heard overlooked Vince Gill record the arrangement on that song is unbeatedly good and very well done. Also songs like Savannah and She Don't Know are very good. Some people think his career began in 1989 with When I call your name but he had 3 records out in the 80's like Turn Me Loose and The Way Back home and this one there all very good and this early record is no different.

The Best Vince Gill
I first became a Vince Gill fan with this release.This is exceptional country-rock music, you just can't get much better than this.Every single song is top-notch and Gill's incredible voice carries each song splendidly.While all the songs are very good, my very favorite is "Colder Than Winter", a chilling, haunting piece about a lost love - it's probably the best acoustic song ever written.This release and "The Way Back Home" are his best releases, in my opinion.You will never regret owning this release!!

This Record Changed My Life
The first time I heard Vince I knew... this guy would be the one I would pattern my career after. He's playing some awesome B-bender style guitar licks without a bender... of course I didn't know that so I bought a bender ! His voice is as pure as one can be and he's a damn nice guy too. This is one of my favorite CD's along with "The Way Back Home" that he released right after this.
This is a must have CD especially for guitar players ! ... Read more

Asin: B000050G6J
Sales Rank: 176937
Subjects:  1. Country    2. New Traditionalist    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

When I Call Your Name
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 October, 1989)
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Editorial Review

Vince Gill's 1989 MCA debut album (following a couple of unsuccessful efforts on RCA) was produced by Tony Brown, whom Gill had met 10 years previously when both were members of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band. With its hair-raising harmony vocals by Gill and Patty Loveless, the mournful title track proved to be the breakthrough hit Gill had been waiting for. The album includes another lovely ballad called "Never Knew Lonely," as well as a duet with Reba McEntire on "Oklahoma Swing," which has since evolved into a guitar rave-up in Gill's live sets. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My first modern country favorite.Just fabulous!
Prior to this album my exposure to country music had been Bob Wills, Flatt & Sgruggs, Hank Williams and other classics.New York didn't have much country on the radio in the 50's and 60's.I had no idea at all what was out there.

Then in 1990 I bought this album at a friend's recommendation, and what a pleasurable bolt of lightning it was!I sat staring at my speakers, saying things like, "How long has music this good been around?"I played it constantly -- and still do -- and rapidly did catch-up buying and listening to modern country music.By now I have quite a good collection, but this one still stands near the very top.

A classic country album, a great musical album, brilliant singing, playing and arranging.Even if you're like I was and know nothing about country music, this disc is likely to make you an avid fan.I don't see how anyone from any musical background can fail to be thrilled by these songs.

I agree with the Amazon reviewer:this is an "essential" recording.Enjoy!

First album for MCA remains a classic
Vince had been part of the music scene since the seventies but met with only limited success prior to the release of this album and the singles from it. The result was that, for a few years, Vince Gill became one of the hottest names in country music. Vince has a distinctive, high tenor voice, which he uses to good effect on this collection. He is also a great songwriter, as he shows on the first seven tracks here, all of which he wrote or co-wrote.

Four major country hits can be found here, these being Never alone, Never knew lonely, When I call your name (the song that made everybody take notice of Vince) and Oklahoma swing. The first three are excellent ballads while the fourth is an outstanding up-tempo duet with Reba McEntire. As I write this, Oklahoma swing is not available anywhere else so it alone makes this album a worthwhile purchase. The other three hits can all be found on Souvenirs, a compilation that I've already reviewed. Souvenirs contains a different duet with Reba, The heart won't lie, but although I enjoy both, I prefer Oklahoma swing.

Two more great up-tempo songs are included - Riding the rodeo and a cover of Guy Clark's Rita Ballou. We won't dance is a lovely mid-tempo song. Sight for sore eyes, Oh girl and We could have been are all wonderful ballads.

Every track here is a gem. It's not difficult to work out why this album made Vince Gill into a major country star.

What a voice!
Vince's breakthrough album is terrific. The hauntingly beautiful 'When I call your name' has to be one of the loveliest songs written. My other favourites on the album are 'Never knew lonely' and 'We won't dance'. His gorgeous tenor is so suited to the songs about lost love. You can hear the sadness in every word. A must for all lovers of good music. ... Read more

Asin: B000002PJ2
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Pocket Full of Gold
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 March, 1991)
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Reviews (4)

Follow-up to When I call your name
After recording the classic album that catapulted Vince to stardom, he lived up to expectations with this album. The previous album included a duet with Reba. They recorded another duet for her album, It's your call, but it's not included on this album. Vince wrote or co-wrote the first eight songs here and the other two are originals, so there are no covers on this album.

Four major country hits can be found here, these being Look at us, Take your memory with you, the title track and Liza Jane. All of these songs can also be found on Souvenirs, a compilation of his early hits.

The set begins with I quit - despite its title this is a bright, up-tempo song. Then comes Look at us - a lovely ballad and the best song on the album. Next come Take your memory with you, a fine mid-tempo song, followed by two wonderful ballads, the title track and The strings that tie you down. After that, up-tempo songs alternate with ballads, all of them brilliant.

This is unquestionably a brilliant album, but Vince has recorded many such albums. If you enjoy traditional country with a contemporary edge, you really can't go wrong with any of Vince's albums.

like it
just wish the clips where longer but what i heard was great keep up great job

excellent traditional country music
Vince Gill has the greatest voice in country music today. Pocket Full of Gold has a good mix of ballads as well as uptempo songs. The songs are heavily influenced by John Hughey on the steel guitar. Look At Us andPocket Full Of Gold are my favorites, although every song is good enough tobe a single.This CD runs the gammit of emotions from true love toheartache. If you love tradional country music, then this CD is a must foryour collection. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OFJ
Sales Rank: 54929
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

I Still Believe in You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 September, 1992)
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Editorial Review

Vince Gill has always been ambitious man: he got his start with the progressive new grass outfit Bluegrass Alliance but didn't stay long, and he soon became guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the country-folk middle-roaders Pure Prarie League.He stayed with the band for three years before working as a sideman to Rodney Crowell and eventually signing with MCA in 1984.His career skyrocketed, fueled by tasteful country material and his creamy vocals.1992's I Still Believe in You was his biggest success, and the title cut a monster hit.It's not a spectacular record, but Gill's vocal strengths and guitar work are hard to deny, and these 10 songs, featuring guest spots by Delbert McClinton and Alison Krauss, represent his style very well. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (12)

country music excellence
Rooted in traditional country music, Vince Gill is one of country music's greatest talents, and shines as a songwriter, singer and guitarist on all ten tracks of this CD, which is a terrific mix of tuneful ballads, up-tempo numbers, and a big dash of humor with "One More Last Chance". Perhaps my favorite track is "No Future in the Past", which I doggedly tried to learn on the piano, and was surprised by the complexity of the composition, with its many changes while maintaining its lovely melodic line.

At 5 x platinum, "I Still Believe in You" has been Vince's biggest selling CD, and the title song was a big hit; it won many awards, among them the CMA Song of the Year and Album of the Year for '93, as well as giving Vince the Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards, and the '93 TNN Music City Awards gave Vince the Single of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year award as well.
Vince's band is superb, and are a part of what makes this such an excellent recording, the booklet insert has all the lyrics and I do like the pensive b&w cover photo, rather unusual for a non-classical CD, but maybe appropriate, because this album is a 100 % country classic, and on my list as an essential for any CD collection of that genre.
Total playing time is 36'23 thoroughly enjoyable minutes.

Vintage Vince
With his distinctive, pure tenor and skilled songwriting ability, Vince Gill can always be counted on to deliver a quality product.1992's I Still Believe In You was another solid, if not startling, effort from the team of Gill and megaproducer Tony Brown.

Gill wrote or co-wrote all of the songs included here with eight different collaborators.He claims only the title song was autobiographical.It is a reassurance of devotion to his wife Janis, even though the obligations of fame often impede their time together (alas, Amy Grant came along and permanently impeded their time together a few years ago).Many of Gill's slow songs have a tendency to sound alike.He gets away with it by using diverse subject matter and by coming up with lyrics that touch a universal chord."No Future In The Past" deals with lost love while "Nothing Like A Woman sweetly extols the pleasures of having a woman to love."Under These Conditions" looks at potential lovers who bypass adultery because their families need them while "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart" addresses the reluctance to fall in love again for fear of getting hurt.

In addition to using diverse subject matter, Gill sequences his tracks well enough that the listener is never placed into a coma.The interspersed uptempo tunes place as much emphasis on the beat as the lyrics."Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" is one of Gill's most soulful recordings ever, while "Say Hello" sounds as if it could be a revived classic from the '60s Bakersfield era - very similar to the kind of material that Dwight Yoakam has popularized."Pretty Words" is a footstomping bluegrasse number, while "One More Last Chance" is a carefree slice of rockabilly.These faster tunes nicely convey that amidst all the seriousness, Gill relishes the chance to cut loose.

Vince's breakthrough album
I Still Believe In You was Vince Gill's breakthrough album.He does a fine job here.The title song, "I Still Believe In You", was Song Of The Year, and deservedly so.It's one of the best romantic ballads I've heard.Vince also had a couple of othermellow hit songs off this record:"Tryin' To Get Over You", which has become a classic breakup song, and the somber waltz "No Future In The Past".The other ballads aren't that bad either.The romantic song "Nothing Like A Woman", the slow two-stepping song "Say Hello", the positive love song "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart", and the song "Under These Conditions"(where the guy meets a married woman and decides that he can't have a relationship because he, too, is married) are all strong ballads from Vince.Vince rocks out here, too, and showcases his fine lead guitar.On the funky opening song, "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away", Vince collaborated on the songwriting with Pete Wasner, his buddy and keyboard player.Also, "One More Last Chance" and "Pretty Words" are both strong, high-energy tunes.Vince put out an award-winning album that is fun and listenable.I don't think anybody should miss this one. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OLC
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

I Never Knew Lonely
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 March, 1992)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (1)

Vince Gill At His Best!
I may not be a literary expert in writing this review, but I have to say that Vince Gill did a really fine job on this album.In I never knew lonely, his voice just reaches out and calls to you.He is an amazingtalent as a singer. ... Read more

Asin: B000002WHN
Sales Rank: 212332
Subjects:  1. Country    2. New Traditionalist    3. Pop   

Let There Be Peace on Earth
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 October, 1999)
list price: $6.98
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Editorial Review

Vince Gill's first holiday effort is split between secular favorites and Christian carols, but whether he's dreaming of a "White Christmas" or asking "What Child Is This," the performances and arrangements are consistently careful, quiet, and slow. Sometimes, this effect is nearly magical--on "I'll Be Home For Christmas," the hushed and hesitant piano and Gill's high tenor sound as yearning as a dream unfulfilled. But, excepting a couple of Chet Atkinslike instrumentals, the more common result is that what should sound peaceful and humble comes off merely solemn and emotionally detached. The closing "It Won't Be the Same This Year," however, makes up for these disappointments when the formerly restrained Gill cuts loose, for once, and cries sweetly in memory of a departed older brother. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (12)

It makes the Holidays
My mom loves Vince Gill and one year for Christmas I bought her this album. Not only did she fall in love with it but my family did as well. It means so much to us because he wrote a song about his brother and Christmas not being the same with out him, that was the same year we lost my gram. I would tell anyone if your looking for the perfect holiday album this is the one.My favorite song is "Peace On Earth" the words mean so much and it nice he is singing with his daughter.

Christmas season begins when I play this album
This is my favorite album for Christmas.Without this record, there is no holiday at my house.I bought the album on a whim over 10 years ago and it is now a staple during the holiday season - get yours now!

Our #1 Christmas CD
I just would like to say that this cd is the one my family has listened to forever! or it seems like that. im only 16, however, Vince Gills CD is the first one my family puts in the cd player around this time of year. it just really brings us all together! it deserves a Lot more than 5 stars!;-) ... Read more

Asin: B000002OP6
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

When Love Finds You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 June, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Vince Gill's tenor combines the breathy intimacy of a whisper with the full-bodied tone of a belted gospel chorus. This is the best of both worlds, and Gill exploits his voice to make otherwise forgettable material sound like the catchiest of tunes and the most personal of confessions. The most striking song on When Love Finds You is "Go Rest High on That Mountain," which Gill wrote for his older brother Bob, who died of a heart attack after a hard life. Sounding like a processional from a church funeral, the song is simply constructed, but Gill fills it with the most passionate singing of his career, perfectly balancing sorrow and remembered affection. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (10)

one of the best of the best
One of America's greatest talents, Vince Gill has consistently written terrific songs, and as a performing artist is a superb guitarist and singer; of his many fine recordings, this triple-platinum, multi-award winning CD is a personal favorite, with its mix of heartfelt love songs, two numbers that are inspirational, and a couple of rousing tunes that will make you want to put your dancing shoes on.

Highlights for me are: The old-time country sound of "Real Lady's Man", with its great fiddle work by Stuart Duncan, and background vocals by Allison Krauss, about a man who has given in to "liquor and a woman's tender kiss"; "What the Cowgirls Do" ("they love to cut a rug and chug-a-lug") is irrisistible, with a great melody, a toe-tapping beat, a razzle-dazzle guitar solo by Vince, and marvelous honky tonk piano playing by Pete Wasner. "South Side of Dixie" is the second up-tempo song, with more knockout musicianship from Vince and the fabulous group assembled in this CD..

The final track, "Go Rest High on that Mountain" is exquisite and incredibly moving, and was written in memory of Vince's much loved brother Bob. With a rendition that is perfection from Vince, he is joined by Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs in the chorus.
This song won the CMA 1996 Song of the Year, the 1995 Grammy for Best Country Song/Vocal Performance Male, and has become a country classic.
"I wish I could see the angel's faces / When they hear your sweet voice sing".
Recorded in 1994, the sound is good, and the booklet insert has all the lyrics, recording info and some nice photos. Total time is: 45'19.

One of the best singer song writers in any genre
What can I say about Vince Gill that his many fans haven't already mentioned.I had never been particularly interested in country music.But, one day I was listening to a country radio station and Vince Gill was singing "When Ever You Come Around" and I was hooked. This CD is as consistant as all his others. Great lyics and superb musicianship. I rate this five stars as I believe Gill is one of the best singer songwriters in the world today.

"When Love Finds You" -- Soaring vocals
Vince Gill has the most beautiful tenor voice I've ever heard.Gill's voice really shines on the tracks "Whenever You Come Around," "When Love Finds You," and "Go Rest High on that Mountain."Gill's voice is best suited for ballads, and that's what this CD consists of mostly. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OSD
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Souvenirs: Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 1995)
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Reviews (21)

An almost perfect collection
I was never a fan of Vince's. Something about him just turned me off(maybe because I could smell a sell-out even back then)& I sure ain't a fan of him now but in the early & mid-90's he had a string of hits any country fan couldn't help but love. So, if like me, you listened to country radio in the 90's & have strong memories of those years, you need this album.

However, I suggest you find a way to acquire Go Rest High On That Mountain, When Love Finds You, Which Bridge To Cross, What The Cowgirls Do & When You Come Around. Those are the only songs that keep this from being the ultimate Vine Gill collection.

Incredible music from man with a very distinctive voice
With so many singers around these days, it is rare to find one that is truly distinctive, but Vince's superb tenor voice is unlike any other in country music. This collection covers the period from 1990 to 1993, when he was at the peak of his career. Actually, his peak lasted a little longer - one more album (When love finds you), after which Vince continued to make great albums without ever achieving the same level of success.

The first three tracks, Never alone, Never knew lonely and When I call your name are taken from his first MCA album, When I call your name. It is still my favorite original album of Vince's music. A big disappointment for me is the omission of Oklahoma swing, a duet with Reba McEntire that was a top five country hit - big enough to qualify for this collection.

Those three tracks are followed by four tracks from Vince's second MCA album, Pocket full of gold, another brilliant album. Then comes a duet with Reba, The heart won't lie. It was originally released on Reba's album, It's your call, but not on any of Vince's original albums. It is a wonderful song, even if I still prefer their earlier duet.

Next come five tracks from Vince's third MCA album, I still believe in you. Some say that was his best original album and it's not difficult to see why. Actually, there's not much to choose between all Vince's albums - they were all of a consistently high quality.

Completing this outstanding collection are I can't tell you why, a song that Vince recorded for the Eagles tribute album Common thread, and I will always love you, a duet with Dolly that first appeared on her Something special album.

If it weren't for Dolly...
I love Vince Gill's voice and this CD did not disappoint. It's a wonderful balance of tender country ballads and good old fashioned country get up and go in songs like Liza Jane. But oh the duet with Dolly Parton was a real disappointment. While she was fantastic in her Trio endeavors, here there was no compatibility. If I had to do it over again, I'd still buy it but ... Whitney Houston's version of I Will Always Love You still is the best. Now if she and Vince would do a duet,that would be something wonderful! ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZD
Sales Rank: 6029
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

High Lonesome Sound
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 May, 1996)
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Reviews (11)

Diverse, Well Written - Appeals to Country & Mainstream Fans
In the 1990s, the Country Music began to go through some transitions. Country music which had for the most part stayed in a vacuum began to go mainstream and embrace other genres of music. As a result, the sound started to change. By the end of the 90s, Country Music had full blown established music superstars in Shania Twain and Faith Hill.One may argue that Twain and Hill have deviated from their Country Music roots - and to some extent I can agree with that argument. I do think that other Country Music artists have found a way to go toward the mainstream while keeping to their Country Music roots.One such artist is Vince Gill, who proves his album "High Lonesome Sound" that it possible to go mainstream and keep to the roots of Country Music.In addition, Gill also proves that the end product can be something that is very enjoyable.

By no means do I consider myself a Country Music expert.The nice thing about "High Lonesome Sound" is that I believe it caters to a fan like myself that may not be deep into Country Music, but can appreciate many of the elements Country Music can bring to the table. While Gill's Country Music could be directed to a more casual fan like myself, I think Gill does an admirable job at addressing the fan who is deeper when it comes to the Country Music genre. Vince Gill also isn't afraid to explore some different directions - and I think this goes a long way for helping this become more appealing to the mainstream fan.

Gill assembles a nice cast of studio musicians to help him on this effort.The most noteable musician is Leland Sklar on Bass. Sklar is best known for being a part of Phil Collins "Serious" band.He was the long hair, long bearded bass player.Sklar does an admirable job on Bass on this collection.There are also some noteable vocalists that help Gill out.Patty Loveless does harmony vocals on "Given More Time" while Shelby Lynne lends vocals on the tune "You and You Alone".Lynne's vocals really connect well with Gill and I wish they would do more work together. Other vocalists, Jeff White and Kim Richey lend some terrific background vocals on multiple tracks.

The opening track is "One Dance With You". When you listen to "One Dance with You", there immediately is a feeling for a country sound.However, there almost is a Doo-Wop-ish type of theme to this song.This Doo Wop-ish theme can be heard in the melody as well as some of the names that are in the lyrics ("Peggy Sue", "Mary Lou", etc).This is a very nice track and appealed to a casual fan like myself.

The title track "High Lonesome Sound" appears on the collection twice. This is a very Country sounding tune that is a very catchy tune. This song is the second track and the last track.The difference is the latter track has Alison Krauss and Union Station helping out with this song.You will hear a stronger fiddle element on the latter track that will give it a much more of a "Dixie Music" feel to it.Alison Krauss plays fiddle on that track and also lends background vocals to both of the tracks.I find the earlier track is the one that will appeal to a more mainstream fan, but the latter track isn't bad either.

The most popular track is the ballad "Pretty Little Adriana".This is definitely a cross-over track.Although it does sound more Pop/Adult Contemporary-ish - the gentle melodies and powerful vocals of this song I still think remain true to the Gill's Country Music Roots.

Another song where Gill does things a bit different is the song "Down to New Orleans".While Gill explored a Dixie sound on the latter version of "High Lonesome Sound", Gill integrates some Jazz and Blues sounding elements into a definite "New Orleans" feel of a song.Once again, Gill doesn't abandon his Country Music Roots and the end result is another great product.

Gill also proves he can be an outstanding storyteller.This is shown on the track "Jenny Dreamed Of Trains".This is an oustanding written song by both Vince Gill and Guy C. Clark. A lot of this song reminds me of Dan Fogelberg.It has aDan Fogelberg-like soft piano introduction for about one minute.The song then proceeds to be a story in which he tells the story of a girl named Jenny who had a love of trains and then deals with the decline of the railroads in the U.S..Another song in which Gill tells a nice story is "Given More Time" in which Gill portrays himself as a Working Man trying to balance time with his family. The song "Worlds Apart" is also very well written and deals with a couple going through empty nest syndrome and starting to question the love between them.There is a pause a little after 4 minutes into the song - giving it a very powerful effect.

Another good track that is very enjoyable is "A Little More Love" is another example of a Country Music song that appealed to a mainstream fan like myself.

The liner notes do contain all of the lyrics to all of the tunes.They do a nice job at lining up the studio musician credits to each song. This album pretty much surprised me.I originally wanted it for the song "Pretty Little Adriana", but I ended up discovering so much more. I especially got hooked on the title track.I also discovered what a diverse musician and talent that Vince Gill is.I think this is the perfect album to introduce yourself to Vince Gill and I think Gill fans will not be disappointed with this collection.I'd recommend adding it to your collection.

Maintaining the expected quality
Vince has a very distinctive voice, which he uses to good effect on this interesting collection. Vince wrote or co-wrote all the songs, which are an excellent mix of ballads, mid-tempo and up-tempo songs.

Perhaps the strangest song is Jenny dreamed of trains, about a girl living near a deserted railroad. I wonder what inspired Vince to write this song, which was covered by John Denver for his train song album, All aboard.

Two versions of the up-tempo title track are included, both with Vince singing lead and Alison Krauss sing harmony but with one featuring Alison Krauss's band, Union Station, giving the song a bluegrass treatment. Apart from Alison, other harmony singers featured on the album include Kim Richey (A little more love), Patty Loveless (Given more time) and Shelby Lynne (You and you alone).

Other outstanding songs include Pretty little Adriana and Down in New Orleans, but every song here is worth hearing.

While I don't regard this as Vince's best album (my favorite is When I call your name), it has much to commend it. No self-respecting fan of Vince's music should be without it.

My First Vince CD Won't Be My Last
I bought this because of "Pretty Little Adriana" and "Worlds Apart", which are two of the prettiest songs I have ever heard from anybody. I ended up discovering some of Vince's most outstanding material that never got the attention it deserved. "You and You Alone" is a really good love song, and the 2 versions of "High Lonesome Sound" are one of a kind. I would recommend this album in a second, especially if you like songs with plenty of heart and true emotion. ... Read more

Asin: B000002P06
Sales Rank: 51302
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Super Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 1996)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (2)

great way to express one's feelings
Vince Gill has again made a song that pulls on your heart strings. This song is definatly for those who had love and then lost it. great song great performer vince is a true star in the music world today god speed toyouvince in all you do!

GREAT SMOOTH LYRICS
vince gill is the master when it comes to easy listening romantic style country music. vince has what it takes in today's everchanging styles to stay on the top of the charts and at the top of most listeners minds.vincehas a VERY calming smooth voice at times an angelic sound. just as the songgo rest high on that mountain this is the perfect example of angelic. iknow vinc wrote these words in memory of his late brother but it was also agreat comfort to me when I lot my preciuos mother. I hope vince keepswriting and producing such great hits. Vince has made country music what itis today.He is a legend of this era, and a window to my soul. love youvince and all of life's best to you! ... Read more

Asin: B000002WZQ
Sales Rank: 252307
Subjects:  1. Country    2. New Traditionalist    3. Pop   

The Key
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 August, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Over a decade of amiable and entertaining hits, Vince Gill has occasionally emitted flashes of greatness. On The Key, hefinally opens up and taps his full artistic potential with a completecollection of stunningly powerful songs. Using spare instrumentation,and working amid a foundation of bluegrass and barroom country sounds,the recently divorced Gill concentrates on simply stated yet deeplyfelt songs about betrayal, loss, and the prospects of opening a bruisedheart to another lover. Working with a variety of female harmonypartners--including Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Shelby Lynne, andSara Evans--Gill brings out the aching beauty of his tenor by settlinginto gorgeous melodies laid out with unadorned authority. By daring tobare his innermost feelings, he's achieved the greatness he's hinted atthrough the years. --Michael McCall ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (47)

Traditional country with stellar cast of guests
American country radio stations were not keen on this album, being too country for them, but fans of traditional country will love this album. Having recorded a pop duet with Barbra Streisand a few months earlier, perhaps Vince was keen to reassure everybody that he hadn't deserted his fans but, whatever his motivation, this is surely the most traditional album that Vince has recorded. Most of the songs here are ballads though Vince picks up the tempo occasionally.

The standout track is, of course, the duet with Patty Loveless (My kind of woman my kind of man), which has since appeared on Patty's hits collection, Classics. Elsewhere, there are plenty of top singers providing background vocals on Vince's solo tracks. These include Dawn Sears (Don't come crying to me), Sara Evans (I never really knew you), Lee Ann Womack (Kindly keep it country), Shelby Lynne (I'll take Texas, There's not much love here anymore), Sonya Isaacs (Let her in, Live to tell it all), Alison Krauss (The hills of Caroline) and Faith Hill (What they all call love). Of these guests, Dawn Sears is the least well known but one of the most talented.

While this was less successful than some of Vince's albums, that is mainly due to lack of airplay. The quality of the music is just what fans expect of Vince, even if the music is more traditional than usual.

Could Country Get Any Better Than This?
Vince Gill's 1998 album THE KEY is a key ingredient of what country music is missing today. Vince has always had an interesting voice, and some great material, but this by far is my favorite album by him. Classic honky tonk country at its best. An ode to the country scene could be interpreted in "Kindly Keep it Country", a definite standout on the album. "Let Her In" has a mountain like quality to it, its a fun song overall. "If You Ever Have Forever In Mind" is a beautiful declaration of love. The duet with Patty Loveless on "My Kind of Woman, My Kind of Man" is as classic as it gets, a classic traditional ballad reminiscent of Dolly & Porter, Tammy & George or Loretta & Conway. Overall this is your cd if you want some real country, that's not afraid to be twangy and real, this is it. Other highlights include "Don't Come Cryin' To me", "I'll Take Texas", "The Hills of Caroline" and more. Give it a shot!

Vince's best album
I think The Key is Vince Gill's best album yet--and I've always liked Vince's music.When he recorded The Key, Vince set out to make an authentic country record, and he succeeded.

The initial hit single off the album, "If You Ever Have Forever In Mind", according to Vince, was inspired by Ray Charles' 1960s hits as well as by Vince's love of "real" country music.However, even though I like "If You Ever Have Forever In Mind" and consider it a well-done song, I don't think it's the best song on the record.The best song on this album, in my opinion, is the concluding number, "The Key To Life".That song was written by Vince in memory of his father, Stan, who died in 1997.Vince went mostly acoustic on the arrangement of "The Key To Life", and I think it's the highlight of the record.

Vince put two upbeat songs on this album:the opening song "Don't Come Cryin' To Me" with its awesome steel guitar and fiddle, and the toe-tapping, Buck Owens-inspired song "I Never Really Knew You".For the most part, though, Vince does the slow songs on The Key, and I don't think he could sound much better than he does here.On the songs "Kindly Keep It Country", "All Those Years" and "There's Not Much Love Here Anymore", the listener can almost hear the heartache in Vince's voice.These songs sound more convincing when you consider what Vince endured prior to the release of this album.Besides the death of his father, Vince went through a messy divorce in '97.Although Vince has said that the previous three songs weren't inspired specifically by his divorce, I believe that his struggle to come to grips with the breakup lends them more credibility.

On a more positive note, I think Vince's duet with Patty Loveless, "My Kind Of Woman, My Kind Of Man", is a gem.In the opinion of this author, this celebration of marital fidelity will become a standard wedding song.

As a singer and artist, Vince, either on his own or in collaboration with others, has put out solid music for a long time.The Key is another impressive album by Vince. ... Read more

Asin: B000009QA8
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $7.98 -- our price: $7.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Following The Key, Gill's hardest country album to date, the Christmas album Breath of Heaven turns so far in the other direction it hardly seems like the same man's work. Don't expect steel guitar and fiddles here: This is pure symphonic pop and a kind of ode to the cinematic string arrangements--not of Nashville, but of Nelson Riddle, or the classic seasonal recordings of Bing Crosby. The selection is tasteful if conservative, though Gill sings every chestnut expertly and even digs a bit deeper on the religious material. The only surprise is the Amy Grant-composed title cut, the album's one undeniably soulful moment. If you're looking for lush and easy-swinging holiday mood music, brimming with the sentiments of the season, you've found it. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Vince at his best
This is by far the best Christmas album I have ever heard and my wife has made me buy tons of them. I am not a great reviewer of music, I don't play or sing and I can't read music, but I know good music when I hear it. This is not your traditional country star's album. It is just one classic christmas song after another. I love the rendition of Blue Christmas.
So if you want a really good Christmas album, this is for you.

Great Christmas Album!
Nothing can match Vince Gill's voice.If you are considering buying a new Christmas CD this year, discover Vince. His style is smooth, clear and perfectly on key!!The spirit of Christmas comes through loud and clear.

Thanks Vince!

A voice as clear as the stars...
A little artistic license taken with my title, but for me, a deaf person who cannot hear most tones of human speech and that includes music, Vince Gill still remains one of the few very clear artists that I can hear enough when the amps are jacked up in my car. Maybe next year, I won't be able to hear him. I don't know when those tones will go, but I am so grateful for his beautiful voice on Christmas music that I love. I especially adore his spiritual music (rather than the secular stuff) and wish he would do an album of nothing but spiritual Christmas music (hint, hint). Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven is one of the most heart-tugging songs of our generation, and was most assuredly inspired. So the combination of Grant's words and Gill's voice is spectacular.

One suggestion for the music industry. You guys keep believing the stereotype that deaf and hard-of-hearing people cannot enjoy music. You are wrong...and we are a population that will buy. But I most often choose to buy music with the words in the flyer inside the CD case. I do not have the time with my work in bioethics and education to go looking all over the Internet for the lyrics.

Again, Gill's Christmas music is a definite need for your Christmas collections.

Karen Sadler ... Read more

Asin: B000009RD3
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Holiday    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass   

Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 April, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Vince Gill is deeply in love. It's hard to imagine an adolescent in the throes of first crush sounding any giddier than Gill does on this mash note of an album to new wife Amy Grant (who returns the devotion with a duet on "When I Look into Your Heart"). Though romantic rapture doesn't necessarily produce lesser music than heartbreak, the mushiness of "Feels Like Love," "The Luckiest Guy in the World," and "Look What Love's Revealing" is wince-worthy rather than Vince-worthy (particularly in comparison with his previous album, 1998's deeply moving The Key). Sentiments such as "We hold hands walking and spend all night talking and make love as the sun starts to rise" would better have been confined to pillow talk. Here's wishing the happy couple all the best, while hoping that Gill has gotten the sappiest album of his career out of his system. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Watered down Gill
I love Vince Gill, but his sense of musical direction was lacking at times with this CD.Most of the songs don't really sound country.In fact, they remind me of those sappy love songs I hear Light Rock 106.7 in my hometown.I am happy that Vince has found the love of his life.However, I just wonder how his ex wife feels about her former husband going into so much detail about his new love in a CD?That must hurt big time, especially after such a public and recent divorce when the album was released.

There are only a handful of songs I really like on this CD like track 6,11 and 12.The rest are okay and easy listening for when you want to breeze through the day.

A must-have for romantics!
...Yes, Vince is love and it shows, so why shouldn't he share these wonderful feelings with the rest of the world? If you want my opinion, there's no-one better to sing a good love song than Vince. It's almost his specialty. That's why I enjoyed this CD so much. Vince's happiness in his personal life project into his music and what we're served with is 12 wonderful, passionate, heartfelt songs.

Every song on the album is fantastic, but I do have a few personal favorites. They include the following:

"Feels Like Love": This is such a great song! It's a fun, upbeat tune about how a woman makes a man feel.

"Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye": Hands-down my favorite track on the CD! I still don't understand why this wasn't a hit on radio. It's typical Vince: romantic, soft, and passionate. It's almost as if he's singing directly to you when you hear it. Such a beautiful song. It had so much potential. Such a shame radio overlooked it.

"When I Look Into Your Heart": This song strays a bit from country to the adult contemporary side, but that's not a bad thing. Here Vince duets with new wife Amy Grant and it's just magic. Their voices blend so beautifully and you can hear the love they have for one another on this track.

"Shoot Straight From the Heart": Yet ANOTHER song overlooked by radio! This is a killer song! It's another upbeat song about looking at life in a positive light and trusting in the one you love to help you through.

And finally, there's "Hey God", Vince's tribute to golf buddy Payne Stewart, who died in October 1999 of a plane crash. Here Vince is talking to God about how good of a friend Payne was and how he'll be missed by family and friends. It'll bring a tear to your eye for sure.

In short, "Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye" is a wonderful album and should've been a bigger hit. I think too many people were making a big deal about Vince's love life and forgot to REALLY listen to the songs. If you're a Vince fan or just a fan of a good country love song, you should have this album. ... it's very good.

Gennie Bailey-Rogers

Let's make sure you pick up this CD someday...
Not being a huge country music fan, I was a little weary of buying this CD. I heard one of his singles on the radio last summer (2000) and decided to pick this CD up. Vince Gill has always been one of my favorites in the country genre b/c he can play his own guitar and write his own songs. This CD finds Vince, reeling from his new love/new marriage to Amy Grant. Every song is about his deep deep love for Amy, his daughter or his family and friends. The first five songs can be played over and over. It's a great disc just to unwind to and to play in the evening. Vince is more Contemporary Country instead of Nashville Country. If you're a fan of Amy Grant or Steve Wariner, this is one for you. Pick it up. Well worth it! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SRJP
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass