"I have this album on tape, since I got it right when it came out-- I can recall the exact moment when I was sitting at my desk doing a project, pretty much ignoring the radio, when I first heard the fiddle intro to "Live Until I Die" and fell in love with Clay Walker's music (NB: his *music,* not his looks... I'm writing this review because so many before me were entirely superficial. Who cares what he looks like? This guy has a great style!)I literally love every song on this album-- there's some fun stuff, like White Palace, a couple catchy tunes like What's It To You, Dreaming With My Eyes Open, and Live Until I Die, and then some slower ballads, like The Silence Speaks for Itself and How To Make a Man Lonesome. I haven't bought any other of Clay's CDs, since I got out of listening to country on regular basis (can't stand the new pseudo-pop stuff), but I still love listening to this album. I highly recommend this CD for a look at Clay Walker's early work, and for a great collection of George Strait-type cowboy country music."
Twangy
Dino | Scotland | 11/14/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In the early 1990s an influx of young male country singers capitalised on Garth Brooks' earlier breakthrough. Many came from Texas, the best of the bunch from Beaumont, home of country's greatest singer, the legendary George Jones. Among the younger set, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and Clay Walker went on to cement their positions in the charts. Often accused of being cookie cut country (hat, buckles, the standard uniform), these three made music that although undeniably commercial was close enough to the roots of the genre and their State's musical heritage as to be worth a listen. Clay Walker's self-titled debut release, which includes five songs written by the singer, was an immediate hit (three singles from the album reaching number one) and remains one of the decade's strongest albums of its type. Highlights include the fun White Palace, the traditional The Silence Speaks For Itself and the standout track, Live Until I Die. There's plenty here for young fans to enjoy but if you're a long-time country listener, don't dismiss it. The material is similar to that included in George Jones' albums of the past ten years. While others in the class of 93 have long since disappeared off the charts, Walker's consistent brand of commercial country has produced seven albums to date, and he continues to enjoy unbroken success."
This Is A Great CD.
daryl28 | 06/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I Like Clay Walker's Music Alot. I Like 3 Songs On This CD. All 3 Of Them Went To Number 1. They Are "What's It To You", "Live 'Til I Die" And Dreaming With My Eyes Open. They Are Also On The Greatest Hits CD As Well."
One of his best works, he really out did himself this time!!
daryl28 | 03/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having never really cared for country I first became a Clay Walker listener because he's so goo looking. After listening to this CD I realized that by not stretching my musical limitations I had really been missing out some good music. His songs are not only written well, I know, he doesn't do them all himself, but his voice is like magic! He could sell an empty peanut shell to a full elephant any day, all he'd have to do is sing to it!"
One of the best debuts of the decade.
daryl28 | 11/01/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clay Walker, like many Beaumont, TX natives displays an incredible talent in his debut CD. There aren't many releases that can spawn as many number one singles as this, and there are almost none that represent such quality on every track. "Clay Walker" will be a blast for anyone even thought they might like country music."