In a life that took her from Butcher Holler to stardom to legend, Loretta Lynn has endured her share of tragedies. The 1996 death of husband Mooney--her right hand from the start of Lynn's career--required an excruciating ... more »adjustment that tested her grit and resiliency. Her first album of new songs in 12 years reveals how well those traits sustained her. Producer Randy Scruggs plays to her strengths, emphasizing Lynn's voice, which is nearly as strong now as it was decades ago. The snappy, direct wit that made "Fist City" and "The Pill" special now flavors "Table for Two" and "Country in My Genes," an unsubtle dig at current Nashville trendiness. There's a consistent quality that runs through the entire album, but the showcase is "I Can't Hear the Music," a heartfelt, direct tribute to Mooney. It's impossible to not be moved as Loretta bares her love, loss, and pain to the world. It may not be radio-friendly, but the song is as real as it gets. --Rich Kienzle« less
In a life that took her from Butcher Holler to stardom to legend, Loretta Lynn has endured her share of tragedies. The 1996 death of husband Mooney--her right hand from the start of Lynn's career--required an excruciating adjustment that tested her grit and resiliency. Her first album of new songs in 12 years reveals how well those traits sustained her. Producer Randy Scruggs plays to her strengths, emphasizing Lynn's voice, which is nearly as strong now as it was decades ago. The snappy, direct wit that made "Fist City" and "The Pill" special now flavors "Table for Two" and "Country in My Genes," an unsubtle dig at current Nashville trendiness. There's a consistent quality that runs through the entire album, but the showcase is "I Can't Hear the Music," a heartfelt, direct tribute to Mooney. It's impossible to not be moved as Loretta bares her love, loss, and pain to the world. It may not be radio-friendly, but the song is as real as it gets. --Rich Kienzle
"after years without an original new material album, Loretta is back with "Still Country". And Loretta has every right to smile in the many album pictures; this album is good - actually outstanding. As suggested by the album title, Still Country, this is a true country sounding album. But you won't find any of those lyin', cheatin', honky-tonkin', having babies, and fighting songs that are so identified with Loretta. What is carried over from the 'old days' is a strong voice in fine vocals, quality musical material and packaging all wrapped up in one, very enjoyable and listenable package - not exactly a small accomplishment. All the songs are winners. There are four fast songs, the best being Country In My Genes and The Blue's Aren't Working On Me. Most of the songs, are what I would consider medium tempo and seem much shorter than the three minutes most of them last. The best song by far on the album is I Can't Hear the Music - a beautiful tribute to Loretta's late husband that will leave even the strongest listener with moist eyes; a definite award winning song. Overall, Loretta and crew have done a fine job on this outstanding album. Let's hope we don't have to wait 12 years again for Loretta's next album, you will want to hear more after listening to this."
Wow!
Jeff Marshall | 09/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! How refreshing to hear a collection of songs sung so wonderfully by a "legend" who lives up to the title "Still Country". Loretta is such a professional, class act who can stand her own among any female vocalist today. The music on this CD ranges from modern day working girl, to proud country roots, to the heartache of losing someone you love. "I Can't Hear The Music" is a song co-written by Loretta as a dedication to her late husband. With raw emotion and real-life tears this is a song that is full of beauty and heart-break together. Loretta deserves a lot of credit and many congratulations for this CD -- this treasure! I encourage and challenge country radio to grace the airways with this great country music. This is a "must-have" addition to anyone's music collection. Thank you Loretta!"
I CAN HEAR THE MUSIC AGAIN
Astrid Slomova | Louisiana | 10/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit that "comeback" albums frequently disappoint me, so I tried to hold back my expectations for this one, although with Loretta Lynn being one of my favorite artists, that was difficult. I needn't have been concerned. This is one of her best efforts, taking its place alongside her classic work from the 1960s and '70s.In this, her first new album of original material since 1988's WHO WAS THAT STRANGER?, Loretta states once and for all that she is still not only country, but a talent to be reckoned with. The songs are almost uniformly good, but I must admit that "I Can't Hear the Music", her tribute to her late husband, reduced me to tears. The beauty and emotion that she conveys in it is both heartbreaking and liberating. It is unlike anything she has ever done before, and that is no small compliment.If you appreciate country music (traditional or modern) or Loretta Lynn's work at all, don't hesitate to buy this CD. It is truly a wonderful achievement from an artist absent from the NEW RELEASE section far too long."
A Legend Hits a Homerun wtih Latest CD - Don't Miss It!!!
Timothy M. Ballard | Silver Spring, MD USA | 09/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you think of Loretta Lynn you think of all of the songs that she has recorded over the years... Coal Miner's Daughter talked about her childhood. Don't Come Home a Drinkin' , You Ain't Woman Enough, Squaw is On the Warpath and Fist City spoke of marital woes. One's On the Way and Pregnant Again talked about having children and raising them. We have heard her literally sing through an entire woman's life.... Somehow her popularity fell off in the 90's and late 80's... I have often wondered why. This albums shows why - Loretta has to be Loretta and here she is again and this time singing through the death of a spouse. The heart and soul that is felt on this album is unmistakably LORETTA LYNN and it is wonderful to hear such and incredible artist still singing and "STILL COUNTRY!" It is unfortunate that "Country In My Genes" is the first single.... it is not the best this album has to offer. By far the emotion of "I Can't Hear The Music Anymore" and "On My Own Again" are some of the best music I have heard out of Nashville since Reba McEntire's album after the untimely death of her band. The best up tempo music on a genuinely strong CD is "The Blue's Ain't Workin' On Me" and Loretta is at her classic best with tunes like, "Don't Open That Door" and "Hold Her." Music is suppose to express real emotion and heart and so often it misses the mark.... not this CD. This is the OLD honesty of Loretta Lynn with the new wisdom and grace that comes from life experience. GET THIS CD!!!! Best I have heard in years!"
Hey Loretta...welcome back!
Dan Hunter | Santa Fe, NM United States | 09/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a pleasure to have another original studio recording from the great Loretta Lynn after over a decade! She's come back with a stellar collection of songs, including two which allude to her late husband: "On My Own Again" and "I Can't Hear the Music." They're just some of the highlights on this CD. I only wish there were more than ten songs and that Loretta had a hand in writing more of the material. Still, the selections are most definitely her style and her voice sounds both mature and girlish at the same time. Get this CD and support a singer who's light years ahead of the current crop of country entertainers!"