Sweet Western Sound

COUNTRY

A big 1970s star, Tanya Tucker had nearly disappeared before her 2019 album While I’m Livin’ launched a comeback. Now here’s the follow up. While good, IMO this isn’t as strong end-to-end as that last one: there are several winners & a few misses here. Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jenning are producing again, with songwriting contributions from them, and from Tim & Phil Hanseroth (of Carlile’s band), Bernie Taupin, and others.

FCC clean

1 Billy Joe Shaver crooning about Tanya, perhaps on her answering machine (0:50)
2 ** mid-slow ballad. The lead single is a worthy sequel to “Bring My Flowers Now”. It’s a heartfelt ask for kindness from someone who’s been through some stuff. (3:21)
3 *** mid-tempo folk rock. Co-written by Carlile & Bernie Taupin; the lyrics are as good as you’d expect. The people in heaven are a Black country-soul singer & a white gospel singer, both from Alabama. Love that. A banjo, guitars & steel guitar are all terrific. (3:30)
4 * slow. tear jerker by Jennings. Strong singing with moving piano, stee & choir (4:09)
5 * slow. tear jerker by Tucker & Carlile. autobiographical? piano, steel & choir (4:01)
6 * mid-fast, peppy. Sure I’ve made mistakes but I can live with myself just fine. (4:02)
7 A tribute to Linda Ronstadt, spoiled by cloying over-production. (4:04)
8 mid-slow. written by JT Nero (of Birds of Chicago); sorry this one just drags (3:17)
9 * slow. Tucker gamely covers a Brandi Carlile song about recovery & redemption, with a gospel feel. This is not at all bad, but pales next to Carlile’s stunning original. (3:51)
10 A maudlin tale of a washed-out rodeo rider. It’s like 70s C&W. Fade it out at 3:30 …
(hidden track) … or be prepared for a short reprise of track #1 (4:03 total)