Search - Collin Raye :: Never Going Back

Country Star Returns With Engaging, Positive Album

David Jones | North Wales, United Kingdom | 05/31/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Collin Raye scored four Number 1s and a plethora of Top Ten hits in the 90s, beginning with 1991's "Love, Me" and ending with 2000's "Couldn't Last a Day". Despite continuing to be popular as a touring artist into the 2000s, his commercial momentum had significantly slowed, with his last major hit being released nearly ten years ago. Raye has always released pleasant, Adult-Contemporary albums with a light Country flavour, from upbeat rockers to tender ballads, and it is the former which takes precedence on his 2009 Independent release "Never Going Back".



This new album differs from the standard formula which pervaded his last couple of Indie albums, which were mostly ballad-heavy collections; this new record employs a more rock orchestration. Right from the opening heavy riffs of the title track (with lyrical references to adolescent rebellion and Facebook) it is obvious this is a slightly different direction for Raye, with rock-inspired tracks which hark back to his earlier up-tempo hits "I Want You Bad (And That Ain't Good)", "That's My Story" and "My Kind of Girl", before his ballad style took over.



Probably the upbeat highlight of the record is the epic "Where It Leads", and lead single "Mid-Life Chrysler"; the latter resembles, for me, 2001's "Gypsy Honeymoon" from the Can't Back Down album. It tells of a man who is far from having a mid-life crisis, he is enjoying life with his wife, and both of them ride in his "mid-life Chrysler".



Also on the uptempo side of the things, we have a faithful cover of "Stuck In the Middle With You", originally a cross-Atlantic hit by Scottish band Stealer's Wheel. Two other covers are here: firstly, "Don't Tell Me You're Not In Love", originally recorded by King of Contemporary Country, George Strait, on his 2001 album The Road Less Traveled. Whereas Strait's rendition was flavoured with Traditional Country instrumentation, Raye's version is a more Adult Contemporary-leaning treatment. "Without You", originally a Badfinger album track and later a Harry Nilson hit, is recrafted here as a duet between Raye and fellow 90s Country artist Susan Ashton. Ashton is a skilled vocalist in her own right, similar vocally to Trisha Yearwood and Linda Ronstadt, and her contribution adds weight to an already powerful song.



Raye's ballad fans needn't be disappointed however, as tender slow movers are also present and correct, namely "You Get Me", and "(I Wanna) Take Care of You", while there are also three inspirational, faith-based songs ("The Cross", which has hit written all over it, "The Only Jesus" and "I Love You This Much"). Originally, Raye's label - Time Life - wanted a Christian record, before changing their minds to an Adult Contempory album, so these tracks are obviously remnants of the earlier sessions, but despite this they add some spiritual authenticity to the collection, and a general belief that there is something for everyone on this CD.



Raye said before the album was released that he didn't really have the voice to sing Traditional Country. This is probably true, although it would be interesting to hear his take on Bluegrass. His tenor has always evoked a smoother Don Henley of The Eagles, a band which has evidently influenced his sound for this record.



For me, this album took a couple of listens to grow on me, and although it may not be as strong as the more Easy Listening-style "The Walls Came Down", "Tracks" or his previous album "Fearless", it is certainly more lively and offers more variety, both lyrically and musically, than many of his previous records. Apparently, Collin Raye is never going back. And judging by this album, he doesn't need to."

Callin' All Collin Fans!

N. Green | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | 07/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of his past tunes...Love, Me...If I Were You and so on then his latest release will not disappoint! It's got all the great love songs and adds a bit of fun along the way in Mid Life Chrysler and his remake of Stuck In The Middle With You makes this a great CD from start to finish."

The Artist who gives meaning to lyrics.

Peter T. Greck | Pittsburgh, PA | 06/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every song is great. His remake of "Stuck in the middle with you" is refreshing. It was a hit in the seventies and sounds really cool. The last song on the CD will make the strongest person weak. "Shes with me" is one of those Collin songs that will re-introduce him to a new generation of fans. The guy can just flat out sing. Collin sounds so much like Don Henley. It is just so cool to here him sing."