I Know a Man Who Can (feat. Sheri Copeland and Barry Smith)
Who dares trot out the contradictions between Jones?s dissolute life and the sentiments of these songs when the man has always been such a True Believer of some sort? He calls this his musical response to the infamous 1999... more » car wreck that caused him to finally give up booze, caffeine, and tobacco. Circuit-preacher?s son Billy Sherrill, who guided Jones?s 1970s commercial ascension, came out of retirement to produce these 24 songs (on two discs) and, especially for a guy accused back then of gussying up country too much, he forges an austere sound. Jones?s voice can?t execute the many twists, turns, and tricks it once did, but it?s still ripe with deep feeling; when he sings "I?m so tired and so weary," you don?t doubt him. So forgive them both for trying too hard occasionally ("The Old Rugged Cross") and appreciate this for the old-school testimonial, musical and spiritual, that it is. --John Morthland« less
Who dares trot out the contradictions between Jones?s dissolute life and the sentiments of these songs when the man has always been such a True Believer of some sort? He calls this his musical response to the infamous 1999 car wreck that caused him to finally give up booze, caffeine, and tobacco. Circuit-preacher?s son Billy Sherrill, who guided Jones?s 1970s commercial ascension, came out of retirement to produce these 24 songs (on two discs) and, especially for a guy accused back then of gussying up country too much, he forges an austere sound. Jones?s voice can?t execute the many twists, turns, and tricks it once did, but it?s still ripe with deep feeling; when he sings "I?m so tired and so weary," you don?t doubt him. So forgive them both for trying too hard occasionally ("The Old Rugged Cross") and appreciate this for the old-school testimonial, musical and spiritual, that it is. --John Morthland
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another amazing late-career album by the indefatiguable George Jones, whose last half dozen albums have been real gems. Jones's old pal, Billy Sherrill, came out of retirement to helm the production of these two dozen tracks, and it's all top-notch material, striking just the right balance of solemnity and schmaltz. These are mainly old gospel standards, from "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend we Have In Jesus," along with some newer songs, such as "When Mama Sang (The Angels Stopped To Listen)," all delivered with the seriousness and soulfulness that are George's trademark style, all framed by nice, solid arrangements. Anyone from a true Southern Gospel aficiniado to a diehard honkytonk fan should be able to jump on board with this one. Talk about heavenly!"
Never Grow Old
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | 04/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a great surprise! George Jones with 24 wonderful gospel songs. At 71, George is still the greatest singer in country music. Billy Sherill, who worked with George from 1971-1991, is back as producer and his work here is wonderful. George and he have always been a winning team. The arrangements are good, the background singers are fantastic and George is singing so beautiful. I have two special favorites, "Peace In The Valley" and the last song on the album, "I Know A Man Who Can". Listen to these songs (and the others!) It's so touching that you will cry. "It don't get any better than this.""
George Jones Sings God's Praises!
Patrick Hughes | Montreal, Quebec Canada | 04/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just finished listening to the new George Jones 2 cd set, "The Gospel Collection". And what a collection it is! 24 tracks spread over 2 cd's, from "Amazing Grace" to "I Know A Man Who Can", with great backup vocals by the wonderful Jordanaires & Millie Kirkham of Elvis Presley fame. At 71 Jones is still the master at ringing every word out of a song. Yes his vocals have been better, but he is 71, and after going through what he has it is amazing he can still sing! What a joy to sing hear the Possum sing "Where We Never Grow Old" with humility, and singing "Peace In The Valley" like no other. Amazing Grace is also a gem. Sure some songs could have been dropped from the cut, but overall, 20 or 21 songs are really worth the purchase of this precious cd. Speaking of precious, how about the "Precious Memories" duet with Patti Paige??? She is 73 or 74, Jones is 71, and they can sing this classic better than any 20 something star in Nashville these days. I highly recommend this soulful Gospel album, by country music's ONLY voice George Glenn Jones. He may be older, and starting to falter, but he still has the chops to deliver & give anyone goosebumps. Why Me Lord? Does George Jones have to ever leave this earth??? Hope he lives Forever!!!!!"
Loved this CD!
J. Johnson | Dallas, Texas United States | 04/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"George has never sounded better. In this age of "praise music" it's great to hear a collection of old standards with words we can actually understand."
GEORGE JONES STILL THE BEST
Royce R. Sillavan | Trinity, Texas USA | 07/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"George Jones for years has been the best and only gets better with age. I love classic country music and gospel. George Jones is a classic and his treatment of these old gospel songs sent chills down my spine. I have been a country music fan for all my 65 yrs dating back to when it was called hillbilly. There have been many great singers but no list would be complete without George Jones and The Gospel Collection is one of his best."