Search - Charly Mcclain :: Pure Country

Country Isn't Country Without Charly McClain

Matt Coker | Davis, CA, USA | 07/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"15 albums of new material, 8 compilations, and all that remains available on CD is a ten-song budget line collection. Once again Sony Music mutaliates the discography of one of country's premier artists. Charly McClain's vocals and sound were throughly unique; a quality increasingly rare in the swamp of modern country. She could sound simultaneously tough and gentle, with her unique instrumental sound making all her recordings become vividly alive. Twenty-five years after her debut album, McClain still sounds as fresh as she always did.
It's unfortunate that there are only ten Charly McClain songs available. (Renaissance Records which produced the extraordinary ANTHOLOGY series, folded a couple months ago). PURE COUNTRY contains nine Top Ten hits, "When A Love Ain't Right" just missed, peaking at #11. "Sleepin' With The Radio On" (#4/1981) has a bluesy quality, and might have become a classic (that is, if Sony Music would have kept the SURROUND ME WITH LOVE album in print). "The Very Best Is You (#5/1981) also comes from SURROUND ME WITH LOVE, her first record produced by Norro Wilson. That album produced three of her most recognizable, and first Top Five hits ("Sleepin' With The Radio on", "The Very Best Is You", and "Surround Me With Love"). It's a slow ballad, with the tempo and arrangement of a classic tear-ballad, but the lyrics state that the love is so good, the singer wouldn't want to cheat or jeopardize it. "Men" (#7/1980), from WOMEN GET LONELY is a light song, and pure enjoyment. "Sentimental Ol' You" (#3/1983) is one of the most unique country songs I've ever heard, and I love every second of it. Driven by a rolling honky tonk-flavored piano and fiddle, the lyrics express pure romantic bliss. I first heard "Paradise Tonight" off a Ford tape, after my dad bought a new truck back in the 1980s (I've still got the tape, and I'm still trying to figure out who sings what on it). An addictive duet with Mickey Gilley, "Paradise Tonight" (#1/1983), will have even those who dislike country music singing alone. Her first Top Ten hit, "That's What You Do To Me" (#8/1978) has a laid back, almost bluesy quality. Many of her early hits were written by Bob Morrison, including: "That's What You Do To Me", "When A Love Ain't Right", "Let's Put Our Love In Motion", "I'll Love Away Your Troubles For A While", and "Let Me Be Your Baby". "When A Love Ain't Right" (#11/1979) is structured the same as "That's What You Do To Me", but is a little more intense and the bluesy quality is replaced in favor of a country direct. "Dancing Your Memory Away" (#3/1982), has a traditional country ballad feel, but with upbeat lyrics about a strong main character. "Who's Cheatin' Who (#1/1980) was Charly McClain's first #1 smash, and it sounds better than ever. When you hear "Surround Me With Love" (#5/1981), you'll wonder how people can call a Faith Hill or Shania Twain song romantic. Featuring a gorgeous string arrangement and McClain's extraordinary vocals, "Surround Me With Love" is a song that goes beyond description.
PURE COUNTRY is an ideal introduction to Charly McClain's music (it'd be perfect if it had "Radio Heart" and "You're A Part Of Me"). First choice is ANTHOLOGY, but you haven't experienced country till you've listened to Charly McClain. This is a perfect way to enjoy one of country music's most talented artists.CHARLY MCCLAIN'S DISCOGRAPHY
I don't know how useful it'll be here, but just look at how much music we're being cheated out of by not having Charly McClain's albums available on CD. This is a full discography; only one album, indicated by (*), is currently available on CD.
HERE'S CHARLY MCCLAIN (1977)
LET ME BE YOUR BABY (1978)
ALONE TOO LONG (1979)
WOMEN GET LONELY (1980)
WHO'S CHEATIN' WHO (1980)
SURROUND ME WITH LOVE (1981)
ENCORE (1981) Compilation
TOO GOOD TO HURRY (1982)
GREATEST HITS (1982) Compilation
PARADISE (1983)
THE WOMEN IN ME (1983)
IT TAKES BELIEVERS (1984) with Mickey Gilley
CHARLY (1984)
RADIO HEART (1985)
BIGGEST HITS (1985) Compilation
WHEN LOVE IS RIGHT (1986) with Wayne Massey
TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY (1987) Compilation
STILL I STAY (1987)
IN TOUCH WITH LOVE (1987) Compilation
CHARLY MCCLAIN (1988) Manufactured by Mercury Records
PORTFOLIO (1991) Compilation
PURE COUNTRY* (1998) Compilation
ANTHOLOGY (1999) Compilation/Maufactured by Renaissance"

Pure Country - Charly's Best Hits From Early in Her Career

Michael Duguay | Nashville, TN | 11/08/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pure Country is a compilation of Charly McClain's biggest hits from earlier in her career. It includes most of her biggest hit singles from about 1978 to 1983. Charly McClain's music is simply the best in country music. Nobody can sing a ballad or an uptempo number like her. She has a beautiful, powerful, unique voice to which no other artist can compare. The songs on this CD showcase her enormous talent. This CD would make a good companion to her "Biggest Hits" CD or other compilation CD's which include hits from other periods in her career. This CD is a can't miss for any country music fan."

A great complilation from one of country's leading ladies

Peter Durward Harris | 11/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Charly McClain's "Pure Country" is just that...pure country at its best. I wish artists like McClain would reproduce prior recordings on cds. This is probably one of my favorite cds."