Search - Cowboy Jack Clement :: Guess Things Happen That Way

At long last, a Jack Clement recording.

L. Mitchell | Carson City, NV United States | 11/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you have followed C/W music for anytime at all, you know who Jack Clement is. A songwriter par excellence. Several songs have been recorded hits for Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash etc. and are included here. He produced albums for several Nashville stars for many years. My favorite Waylon Jennings album, "Dreaming My Dreams" was a masterpiece which he produced. He also traveled with the "Highwaymen" (Cash, Nelson, Jennings and Kristofferson) on tour and is Waylon's brother-in-law. Always neat to hear songs by the writer as many artists versions differ considerably."

+3/4 -- Charming set from country and rock pioneer

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 09/22/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Clement's name is probably known to most music fans for his work as a producer and writer at Sun Records. His pen is the source of hits like "Guess Things Happen That Way" and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" (both covered here), and his producer's desk the source of many of Johnny Cash's Sun-era recordings, as well as sides by Billy Lee Riley, Jerry Lee Lewis (who's Clement-penned "It'll Be Me" is also covered here), Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride and many others (including U2 in the '90s). As a performer, Clement's recorded very sporadically, with his last full length being 1987's "All I Want to Do in Life."



At 73, Clement's voice is a bit wobbly for the up-tempo tracks, but his expressiveness is captivating on the ballads, including the lovely waltz-time "There Ain't a Tune," the slow, introspective cover of "Dreaming My Dreams With You," and his own newly penned "Trapped in an Old Country Song." Ironically, his rendition of "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," punctuated by clips of Johnny Cash lifted from his American Recordings, is a simply produced affair, devoid of the backing singers Clement layered on Cash's Sun-era hit single. The album closes on a whimsical note with the circus-themed waltz, "Off to Join the World," also recently recorded by teen country sensation Blaine Larsen.



While a few tracks, including covers of "It'll Be Me" and the Rolling Stones' "No Expectations," find Clement unsuccessfully trying to out-sing a full electric band, the bulk of the album provides more gentle backing. With bass and drums as a guide, the touches of guitar, mandolin and steel provide perfect accompaniment for Clement and backing singers that include The Jordanaires. Clement may not have the pipes of those he wrote for and produced, but you can hear in his own work the energy and sense of adventure that he lent to those he worked with.



3-3/4 stars if allowed fractional ratings."

I Guess Jack Just Sings Them This Way

Michael G. Batcho | McAdoo, PA (USA) | 03/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Cowboy Jack Clement" . . . i was always aware of his songwriting contributions . . . but i bought this cd "Guess Things Happen That Way" because i remembered that his "voice" and vocal style were reminicent of a long time favorite of mine, the late Burl Ives.



I was so pleasantl surprised to hear the voice of the late Jhnny Cash make an appearance on "Guess Things Happen That Way". As a matter of fact the mannert in which it is used made me just want to smile!



And a remembered the Johnn Cash recording of "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen" . . . it is so good to hear the man who wrote it, deliver it! -- pure heaven!



It is ssuch a great experience to hear "country music" the wa countr music was meant to be. If you've forgotten just how great this genre of music and song reall is, get this cd and give it one play . . . ou will spin it many many more times . . . it may never leave your cd player again.



My hat's off to Cowboy Jack Clement . . . and i say to him, "thank you for the great great songs and for these great great performances captured now forever abd for future generations to hear and enjoy and sing along with. Thank you, Mr. Jack Clement. :)"