Search - Randy Travis :: Passing Through

Worth EVERY penny!

BB & Ace | 04/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely love Randy Traivs. He is, without doubt, the finest voice today and one of the greatest artists of all time. Although I am a new fan, I eagerly awaited the arrival of this CD and was not dissapointed.



It's hard to start when reviewing this album. I will start off by saying that it is another special one, just like Rise and Shine and Worship and Faith. I must say Randy's last three albums on the "Word" label are his finest- both musically, vocally, and artistically. It seems that radio and television, however, are completely ignoring him- no doubt due to his professed faith in Jesus. Randy has truly shown a change in his life and sometimes I feel GAC, CMT, and many country radio stations are purposely NOT playing his videos and songs (when the Raise Him Up video was released, GAC gave it very little air time compared to new ones from other popular artists at the time. Country radio has also refused to play his single "Four Walls", even when I and others requested it.) They are missing a true gem.



Randy's music is set apart first by his vocal capabilities. His voice is now more emotive than ever, touching the heart and sometimes bringing one to tears. He has reached the heights of musical expression, and some of these songs are quite haunting, like "My Daddy Never Was." This number portrays the plight of a drunk father who wants help with his addiction and cries that he only wants to be a good father. His wife leaves and finds another man at church, and all seems hopeless until the end. This song could never leave my mind for days. The emotion Randy puts into it makes the listener feel the pain and desparation of the man in the song.



"Four Walls" is another beautiful number, as well as "I'm Your Man" and "I Can See It In Your Eyes". These last two stand apart from other love songs of the day which, for some reason, find it necessary to include sex as a part of love. Randy never once mentions sex in the songs. Instead, he sings of true and deep love and companionship that will weather the storms of life. There are many infectious songs here as well, one of my favorites being "Train Long Gone." The backup singers here sound like a group of cowboys, showcasing Randy's pure traditional sound and style.



You will find this album to be a treasure and an enjoyment beyond words. I could never explain the entire thing. It must be heard. If there is any new album you buy, don't reach for the souped up, sorry voice of Tim McGraw or the stale releases from Alan Jackson. These songs will give you a lot to think about. This is country music as it should be.



Kitka"

Randy's back in a big way

Bob McGrath | Sacramento, CA | 11/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of course, he was never really gone, but this is his first 'secular' country album in five years or so. This is good stuff. A few of the standout tracks:



"My Daddy Never Was" will break your heart.



"A Place to Hang My Hat" is one of the most traditional country songs Randy has ever cut, which is really saying something considering that Randy has always been a "new traditionalist."



"My Poor Old Heart" is a rollicking song recorded by Kenny Chesney back in 1996. Randy does it better.



"I'm Your Man" was written by Randy, for his wife.



Randy Travis has always been one of the best interpreters of a lyric: he knows just where to change his inflection, where to raise his voice, where to lower it to a grumble. His voice is not as smooth or as steady as it once was, but this becomes an asset rather than a liability because Randy knows how to use the slight vocal tremble to his advantage, reaching new levels of vocal nuance. The result? This album stands with "Storms of Life" as some of the Randy's best work."

NO PASSING THROUGH HERE

Linda Webb | Carrollton, TX USA | 11/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This long-awaited CD, some Mostly country with a hint of gospel sounds, truly offers something for everyone.



For the fan who already knows Randy and has been waiting for a country CD, this one will definitely not disappoint you. One can't help but notice the similarities and relationship between many of the songs from Randy's youth until today.



"that Was Us" gives you the feel of Randy reliving his youth as a youngster who was known for getting into some kind of trouble most of the time. "Four Walls" (his current single) give you a feeling of his remembrance of how close he was to his Grandfather. "My Daddy Never Was" perhaps reminds him of the somewhat shaky relationship he had with his own father while "Angels" is a tribute to mothers all over including his own.



The CD goes on and on, appearing almost as a biological sketch of his own life even through "Right on Time", a song about how a person was close to going the wrong direction in life but has turned it around.



Randy has always had the unique and distinct ability to deliver these songs that are of a story-telling nature but in this CD, you almost get the feeling he somewhat is reliving them as he sings them.



And let us not forget Randy's writing ability. Not always included on every CD, "I'm Your Man" and "I Can See It in Your Eyes" both written by Randy are two beautiful ballad's that are sure to touch the hearts of many.



"While Place to Hang My Hat" is another ballad of pure country sound and "Pick Up the Oars and Row" is somewhat of a slow tempo, this CD isn't all about ballads and slow songs. "that Was Us" (already mentioned), "Running Blind," "My Poor Old Heart" and "Train Long Gone" are sure to get your toes tapping and you singing along.



If you truly love country, you won't find yourself 'passing through" any of the 12 songs on this CD. Delivered in that smooth baritone voice like no other can, this CD is a pure country sound from a true country artist.



"