Moment of Forever – Willie Nelson
At the ripe age of 74, Willie Nelson still has more to offer his fans. Lost Highway Records has put together the legend’s latest studio album, co-produced by Kenny Chesney, who also co-wrote one of the songs (“I’m Alive”) and did a duet with Nelson on the track “Worry B Gone.”
Moment of Forever includes a couple of cover songs: Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” and Dave Matthews’ “Gravedigger.” Nelson even penned some new material with his sons Micah and Lukas, “Over You Again.” This dual-disc offering of more than 20 tracks is quite an impressive way for the Texan to start gearing up for his busy Spring ’08 tour schedule. A
Greatest Hits – Keith Urban
When Keith Urban arrived on the country charts 10 years ago as a member of The Ranch, few took notice. But Garth Brooks sure did, even basing his Chris Gaines fictional character on the Australian singer. When Urban went solo in 1999, he followed the path paved by Brooks, and the hits have flowed ever since.
The 40-year-old Urban’s new 18-track compilation features two newly recorded tracks: a remake of Steve Forbert’s 1979 hit “Romeo’s Tune” and a new full-band recording of “Got It Right This Time (The Celebration).” The album includes all of his No. 1 hits: “But For the Grace of God,” “Somebody Like You,” “Days Go By,” “You’ll Think of Me,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and more. B+
Love Songs – Trisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood, of Monticello, Ga., has put out her own dose of memorable tracks in the past two decades. Most of these share a common thread. MCA Nashville has taken 14 of Yearwood’s best love songs, some of which were not radio singles, and packaged them into a perfect ode to romance.
Love Songs begins with “That’s What I Like About You,” an up-tempo track that soared to No. 8 back in 1992. Right after this, you’ll hear the singer’s signature debut smash, “She’s in Love With the Boy.” Not all of the tracks are movers; “Down on My Knees,” “The Nightingale” and “I’ll Still Love You More” are quieter ballads. You and your sweetie will enjoy this amorous CD. A-
Detours – Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s sixth studio album reunites her with producer Bill Bottrell, who previously worked with Crow on her breakthrough debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, which earned the singer three Grammy Awards and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
“This is the most honest record I’ve ever made. It’s about being forced to wake up,” says the Missouri Bootheel singer. At 45, Crow is poised to rock (or country) it out in ’08. She’s fought breast cancer and critics, broken up with Lance Armstrong, and even had a verbal dispute with Karl Rove. This is her year, and songs like “Shine Over Babylon” and “Lullaby For Wyatt” are going to help get her there. B
