Billy Gilman has been a participant in his own reality series?the reality of surviving in his own skin and a life away from music. It was a forced reality for the young artist who was sidelined at the height of his multi-p... more »latinum career by a really normal and typical development for a boy his age?his voice changed. Just as quickly as Gilman made his explosive debut in the country music scene, mother nature removed him?immediately and entirely from the spotlight. The good news is Gilman is a survivor and he?s back from vocal exile to the business of making music. Gilman?s new CD featuring special guest Pam Tillis, shows significant growth in Billy's vocal range and brings him back full circle to country music with guitar, fiddle, and steel accompaniment. Soon to be 18, the dynamic teenager has lost nothing but time and returns with a voice that has undergone a welcomed mature change. "?Gonna Find Love? appealed to me immediately because it speaks the truth," says Gilman. "Every young adult feels this way sooner or later in life. It's about growing up and experiencing love."« less
Billy Gilman has been a participant in his own reality series?the reality of surviving in his own skin and a life away from music. It was a forced reality for the young artist who was sidelined at the height of his multi-platinum career by a really normal and typical development for a boy his age?his voice changed. Just as quickly as Gilman made his explosive debut in the country music scene, mother nature removed him?immediately and entirely from the spotlight. The good news is Gilman is a survivor and he?s back from vocal exile to the business of making music. Gilman?s new CD featuring special guest Pam Tillis, shows significant growth in Billy's vocal range and brings him back full circle to country music with guitar, fiddle, and steel accompaniment. Soon to be 18, the dynamic teenager has lost nothing but time and returns with a voice that has undergone a welcomed mature change. "?Gonna Find Love? appealed to me immediately because it speaks the truth," says Gilman. "Every young adult feels this way sooner or later in life. It's about growing up and experiencing love."
"I have read the review by "Bubbles23" above and must say that I very much liked and appreciated his/her thorough and thoughtful analysis. However, I also have to say that the "disliking" or criticizing of a singing star for not playing an instrument or not writing his own songs seems a bit unfair to me. I think of many of the greatest singers of the past! I can't imagine someone putting Sinatra or Streisand down for not writing their own songs. The two talents, singing and composing, are different talents. Should an actor be criticized for not writing his own screenplay? The current mania for self-written albums has resulted all-too-often in lame music from superior vocalists. Still, aside from that, I very much enjoyed and agree with Bubbles23's review.
Billy Gilman's new album is very entertaining. To hear his voice maturing further and further with each new release is thrilling. I had worried for him when the voice change happened several years ago. Many boy singers cannot make the transition. Billy can and will attain adult star status if he continues to produce quality work like this.
There is a great variety of music on this album. Some I adored, others I was not so fond of, but I don't criticize the album for that. That's my problem. All albums seem to have a few songs I don't really care for. I am not particularly a country music fan so it was surprising to me that I played this album so many times over and over, even putting "repeat" on a few of my particular favorites: "Let Me Remind You Again", "Almost Over (Getting' Over You)", "Moonlight Memories of You", and "The One You Left Behind". To me, that is the real measure of the success of an album. Will I listen to it more than a few times? In this case the answer is resoundingly, "YES!!!"
Billy Gilman is still such a charmer. I hope his fans and others were able to see him on the recent MDA Telethon. He showed that he still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye, that knowing wink, that teasing, energetic personality onstage! Onward to Stardom, Billy! You deserve it!
I hope this album is a hit. Buy it today!
"
BILLY -- NO LONGER A KID
Cheryl H. Long | 10/06/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, I broke my own rule about buying CDs without having a chance to preview them first, but considering how much I have enjoyed Billy Gilman's previous albums, I decided to gamble on this one -- and won.
Billy has proven on this album that he is indeed no novelty kid act. His voice has matured to a crystal clear tenor. He has also returned to his country roots -- and done it well. While it doesn't have the song variety of "Everything and More" (which I actually preferred more than this album; hence, the 4-star rating), it is definitely more upbeat and worth listening to more than once. I especially enjoyed "Billy the Kid," "Southern Star" "Let Me Remind You," and "We Go On." His duet "I'm Almost Over (Gettin' Over You)" with Pam Tillis is one of the biggest highlights on the album. A must for any Billy Gilman fan's collection.
Keep up the good work, Billy. You're well on your way to becoming more than just a Southern Star!
"
Billy Gilman - A Favorite Returns!
The Writer | of the Great U.S.A.! | 09/18/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When I found out that Billy was releasing another album, I immediately preordered it.
I enjoyed the album quite a bit, but was a little disappointed that it was all country, and not something of a mix between country and pop, like his previous albums. None of the songs were the slow type that really showcased his great voice, though I too liked "Billy the Kid". But the lack of any slower songs is what prompted me to give this album 4 stars instead of 5.
I've been a fan of Billy Gilman's, ever since I was channel-surfing and stumbled across the video for "One Voice." I loved his voice, which was partially destroyed by the evils of adolescence. But at least Billy managed to keep a good, albeit radically different, singing voice.
All in all, I'd have to say that I liked "Everything and More" better."
Fantastic New Project!
A. Pearson | West Coast | 09/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always said that Billy Gilman has what it takes to reclaim his spot back at the top, but honestly, I wasn't sure "how" it could be done. I wasn't sure that he could do it strictly with country music, given that it's so difficult to translate from a child star...to an adult star. I opined that Billy would need to completely reinvent himself in order to gain a brand new following. Often, the fans you had as a child, wind up abandoning you, because they grow up. I feared that many would only see the "novelty" of his young age and forget about the phenomenal talent he possesses.
Luckily, I may have been wrong. Billy's voice hasn't waned in the least and it's obvious that country music will always be his home. His voice has matured beautifully and his technique, phrasing, interpretation, and nuance have all only improved with age and maturity. These songs are all delightful and I even hear a few potential Number 1 hits!
Even if Billy Gilman never regains the same fame he had in his younger years...it's obvious he will always have a singing career. He was born to do it and as most true artists do...they sing whenever and wherever there is a stage and an audience.
Oh, and I agree with the other reviewers that writing your own music doesn't make you "more" of an artist. Most of the greatest vocalists of our time do not write their own songs. And I love the analogy by the one poster that asked if actors are expected to write their own screenplays. Very fitting. While some wind up doing just that...most do not. Singing is Billy's craft and, while enjoying a song that he wrote and composed himself would be great...it's not necessary.
One more thing...Billy's voice, at times, sounds similar to the tenor lead vocalist of Air Supply, one of my favorite bands from the 80's. Not always, but he sometimes sounds like him. That is a compliment, by the way. :)"
He finally grew up
Patrick | Wisconsin, USA | 09/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It sure took him long enough to transform from a boy to a man. I really thought his career was over. But wow, he's amazing now! His voice has got to be one of the best in country music for sure. The boy knows how to belt. I just saw him on the Jerry Lewis telethon and he blew me away. I'm very impressed."