With the exception of 1993's High-tech Redneck, this is the only disappointing George Jones solo album in 14 years. Of course, with the standard Jones sets for country singers, disappointment is all relative, which just m... more »eans the title here is an overstatement, but just barely. The first single, "Wild Irish Rose," has the notoriously apolitical Jones telling the tragic tale of a homeless Vietnam vet; "Over You" is a sequel to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"; and "Smack Dab" is a boot-scooter so rollicking it might actually get George some young-country airplay. Best of all are the cover of George Strait's "When Did You Stop Loving Me" and the elegant evocation of unrequited love, "Don't Touch Me"--it really doesn't get any better than that. --David Cantwell« less
With the exception of 1993's High-tech Redneck, this is the only disappointing George Jones solo album in 14 years. Of course, with the standard Jones sets for country singers, disappointment is all relative, which just means the title here is an overstatement, but just barely. The first single, "Wild Irish Rose," has the notoriously apolitical Jones telling the tragic tale of a homeless Vietnam vet; "Over You" is a sequel to "He Stopped Loving Her Today"; and "Smack Dab" is a boot-scooter so rollicking it might actually get George some young-country airplay. Best of all are the cover of George Strait's "When Did You Stop Loving Me" and the elegant evocation of unrequited love, "Don't Touch Me"--it really doesn't get any better than that. --David Cantwell
It really doesn't get any better than George Jones!
Jerry McDaniel | 01/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album (his last for MCA) has 11 songs that fit Jones like a glove you'd swear that the material was recorded way back in the early '80s and left off 'I AM WHAT I AM'!!"Wild Irish Rose" is the kind of single that 'new country' fans aren't used to hearing. 90% of 'new country' fans only know of Jones by way of Alan Jackson or Garth Brooks' statements or they know of Jones' hatred for modern country music. whatever the case, "Wild Irish Rose" could only have been recorded by George and have the same effect on people...the top songs on this CD are "Don't Touch Me", "When Did You Stop Loving Me?", "Over You", and the cajun duet "Got To Get To Louisiana" with T. Graham Brown. the engineer on this CD is none other than Billy Sherrill. this is an excellent album but i warn you: it's subdued and relaxing...much like his 1990 album 'YOU OUGHTA BE HERE WITH ME' or 1983's 'JONES COUNTRY'."
His best work in years with still more to come.
JRP357@aol.com | United States of America, Montana | 08/02/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the Jones album that everyone who ever heard George sing will agree is his best in quite awhile. As a fan I have collected over 40 of his albums, and while I treasure everyone of them, this goes to the front of the case. "Wild Irish Rose" shows that his voice is as strong as it has ever been, while "Over You" reflects the great emotion that he can bring to a song. "Over You" puts a lump in my throat everytime I hear it. If you like traditional ballads this is the album for you. It is a true shame that this artist and much of his best work will never get the air time it deserves."
Don't Play Possum!! Run Get This Classic Country CD!
JRP357@aol.com | 07/17/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a MUST for all longtime George Jones fans and a great opportunity for "young country" fans to find out how they are being cheated by all the country DJs who refuse to play the "real deal" classic artists like Jones, Haggard, Jennings, and Price. The unbelievable lineup of toneless, clueless, goofy "young country" singers of the 90s couldn't carry this guy's guitar pick!This is classic "pure Jones country." From the weeping, "There's No Future For Me in Our Past", to "Small Y'all", a Jones/novelty tune in the style of "Lovebug" and "The Race is On", to a version of "When Did You Stop Loving Me" that ought to make George Strait quit singing it, to "Wild Irish Rose" which carries a strong reminder of "He Stopped Loving Her Today", the "possum" shows why he is considered to be the greatest country singer of all time; or , as Waylon put it, ! "the best that ever was or ever will be."George is in his best voice since the late 60s/early 70s (probably due to his being on the wagon for a few years) and the session players are outstanding! Thank goodness this country music hall of famer still has a major record contract so true country fans can stay in touch with country greatness.I have a collection of over 75 George Jones albums (stretching back to the late 50s) and this CD contains a lot of examples of why this guy has endured for 40 years and can still blow away any country singer on the planet! No wonder superstars like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson name the possum as their favorite country singer!Do yourself a favor and get his one. Hopefully it will send you back for some of the historic Jones work that is now coming out on CD."
Country don't get much better than this
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 06/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Defining country music is difficult, but two words define it better than most - George Jones. More than anybody else in the last half century, he epitomises what the music is supposed to be all about. This particular album contains a lot of upbeat songs - not necessarily what you expect from George, but perhaps he was enjoying life at the time.Of course, it would not really be a George Jones album without some weepies, and there are some here. The saddest song here is the opening Wild Irish rose, about a down and out drunk. Another very sad song is the sixties country song Don't touch me. Originally a huge country hit for the sadly forgotten Jeannie Seely, it is remarkable that George waited this long to record it, because it suits him ideally.The title track features a star-studded guest line-up of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Bobby Bare, together with a Johnny Cash impersonator called Johnny Counterfeit. My guess is that Johnny Cash was probably ill or otherwise unable to attend the recording sessions, but his absence does not detract from the song.Got to get to Louisiana features another guest, T Graham Brown. Other great upbeat songs include Small y'all, Smack dab and I said all that to say all this.George was well into his sixties, but he sounds as good as ever on a great selection of songs. Fans of George's music will enjoy this album."