For over three decades Eddy Arnold possessed greater staying power than any Nashville megastar, with a total of 67 top-ten singles and 28 number ones, several topping the charts for months. To their credit, RCA--Arnold's l... more »abel for nearly his entire career--accord him a respect that few other major labels show to past country greats who once enhanced their profits. That's why the 87-year-old Arnold's return to the studio for album #100 is nothing less than courageous. His producer, legendary Nashville eccentric Cowboy Jack Clement, combines low-key acoustic accompaniment with vintage material, including a remake of Arnold's 1956 hit "You Don't Know Me" and Roger Miller's "King of the Road." While Arnold imparts class, dignity, and youthful spirit to every tune, even this vocal master isn't exempt from aging's inevitable toll on every human voice. Hearing him valiantly struggle to achieve what once seemed effortless is profoundly moving and occasionally painful. Nonetheless, his magnificent legacy, established decades ago, remains the gold standard for which he'll ultimately be remembered. --Rich Kienzle« less
For over three decades Eddy Arnold possessed greater staying power than any Nashville megastar, with a total of 67 top-ten singles and 28 number ones, several topping the charts for months. To their credit, RCA--Arnold's label for nearly his entire career--accord him a respect that few other major labels show to past country greats who once enhanced their profits. That's why the 87-year-old Arnold's return to the studio for album #100 is nothing less than courageous. His producer, legendary Nashville eccentric Cowboy Jack Clement, combines low-key acoustic accompaniment with vintage material, including a remake of Arnold's 1956 hit "You Don't Know Me" and Roger Miller's "King of the Road." While Arnold imparts class, dignity, and youthful spirit to every tune, even this vocal master isn't exempt from aging's inevitable toll on every human voice. Hearing him valiantly struggle to achieve what once seemed effortless is profoundly moving and occasionally painful. Nonetheless, his magnificent legacy, established decades ago, remains the gold standard for which he'll ultimately be remembered. --Rich Kienzle
Stephen L. Smith | Greensboro, Alabama USA | 09/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I quite by accident discovered Eddy Arnold's latest and perhaps last CD, "After All These Years". I have been his fan all my life. Though his 87 years shows in his aging voice, he can still deliver the heart felt lyrics of a love song, or any other song for that matter. Now, what he has lost in range and technical ability, he more than makes up with a voice full of wisdom and experience. In short, he now knows what he's singing about, and it comes through. His voice is filled with emotion and character as he sings these songs, just perfect for him at this stage of his life. He can still deliver the lyrics in a way that makes you feel the emotion he is feeling as he sings. I hope he makes more CD's. I'll buy every one. He's the best sentimental love song singer ever, even at age 87. God Bless Eddy Arnold. He truly is one of a kind."
Eddy Arnold "After All These Years"
Steven Mckenna | Oxnard, California | 08/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""After All These Years"
Eddy Arnold
Is it possible that after 60 years, 100 albums and at the age of 87, Eddy Arnold has produced his greatest CD. As with Olivier and Shakespeare, "After All these Years" combines a legendary performer (Eddy Arnold) with the finest writers (Cindy Walker, Ken Lerey, Jim Weatherly and Roger Miller). His once smooth velvety baritone has matured into a deep bass filled with emotion. Eddy Arnold is not just a singer. He is a performer of music. He makes you feel the lyrics.
Eddy Arnold's greatest forte is love songs. One might wonder what Mr. Arnold could add to a love song that he hadn't already in his illustrious recording career. Like Fonda in "On Golden Pond" Arnold delivers a masterful performance on "If I had lived my Life Without You" and "After all these Years". This is not puppy love. He sings about a mature love. A love that can be only understood after a lifetime relationship. (Eddy has been married to his lovely wife Sally for 64 years)
At a time that our love ones are overseas, "I'm Gonna Be Home" is simply heartbreaking and brings special meaning with lyrics "Gonna be walking through the door, gonna be wrestling with the kids, I know it might not be tomorrow, who knows what might be tomorrow, I just pray, I'm gonna be home."
He will make you sad as he longingly sings "If Only" and "When I Dream". Make you smile with a whimsical "King of the Road".
Included on this CD is a song that Eddy co-wrote with Cindy Walker, "You Don't Know Me". By evidence of this CD "After All these Years" we know who Eddy Arnold is. Throughout all musical genres, Eddy Arnold is the greatest performer of songs of the heart.
We realize with sadness when Eddy performs his swan song "To Life", this is his final studio recording.
"Cherish this music and cherish this man. We will not see his like again." (Robert Oermann 2005 from linear note)
Steve McKenna
August 2005
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The Best Of Eddy
Stephen A. Mattice | PIMA, Arizona | 12/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listen to this album over and over. His singing reminds me of times gone by. Eddy does a superb job on each song. It's not a young Eddy Arnold, but it's the best of Todays Eddy Arnold."
A Very Rewarding CD
Kent Moore | 10/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At 87, it's not surprising that Eddy Arnold doesn't sing as good as he did when he was 47 doing "What's He Doing in My World?" and "Make Me World Go Away." What is surprising is how good he does sound! He actually sounds better on this CD than the previous two or three CDs done a few years ago. I'm so glad Eddy and RCA dedided to do this CD.
The songs are reflective, befitting a man at the end of his career. Eddy sings in a deeper voice now and the songs are tailored for a lower range and in fact, a couple of them are too low. The best song on the CD is the opening song, "Old Porch Swing", which poignantly describes several generations of a family. "I've Been Down Some Roads" is a strong cut and "After All These Years" and "To Life" are touching odes to a long life. "Don't She Look Good" is a fun song and "When I Dream" is a very nice male version of Crystal Gayle's hit, although the words "put on my makeup" should have been changed.
If you appreciate the quantity and quality of Eddy Arnold's work for 60 years (!), this is a must-own CD."
Last Recording from this Great Artist
Richard E. Yaklich | Miami, FL | 10/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must say I listened to this last recording by Eddy Arnold with a tear in my eye. I have been a fan of this unique artist for the last 30 years. At 87 years old - he can still sing a song - not like he did 40 years ago - but what artist can sing at his age? How many of today's stars will be around and performing when they ar 87 - probably none. This is a last recording from a great and unique singer that we will not see the likes of again.I was moved by his abilty to communicate every word of a song and still make one feel he is singing just for you. This is a must have recording."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
