Precious Memories – Alan Jackson
On his 15th Arista Nashville release, the Country Music Association’s recent Entertainer of the Year presents a beautiful collection of timeless gospel memories. Throughout the Georgian’s career, one that has thus far produced more than 43 million sales and more than 30 No.1 hits (including 21 he penned for himself), this is Alan Jackson’s first salute to the music he grew up with in church.
The standard “Blessed Assurance” kicks off the 15-track album. An odd characteristic of this album is that the title of the album is not found on the disc. But you will find greats such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art.” An uplifting CD from A.J. A-
Danielle Peck – Danielle Peck
Newcomer Danielle Peck has been dreaming about releasing her first album since she created the artwork for an imaginary one when she was 10. Now that she’s all grown up, the North Carolina-born, Ohio-raised head-turner is finally realizing that dream with her self-titled debut album and the hit debut single, “I Don’t.”
The hits keep coming for Peck. She was invited to open for Toby Keith on his “Big Throwdown II Tour,” and quickly adapted to the raucous crowds in sold-out arenas. Danielle is not only a good singer and a vivacious brunette; she’s a darn good songwriter too. She co-wrote eight of the album’s 11 tracks, including “I Don’t.” Other potential hits include “Findin’ a Good Man,” “Honky Tonk Time” and “A Woman Does Too.” Welcome to the party, Danielle. B
This Old Road – Kris Kristofferson
Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson has long seemed ageless; the approach of his 70th birthday plainly has the songwriter looking back with this new CD. The Brownsville, Texas, native has always identified himself first and foremost as a writer, and true writers know that what works best is giving a piece of themselves to the listener. With his latest album, Kristofferson lays a chunk of his own soul on every track.
This album is quite intimate, and controversial – vintage Kris. “In the News” lambastes the very concept of a holy war. Yet it’s the spiritual side of Kristofferson that really touches the soul, from a father’s wonder at the “Holy Creation” of his children’s birth to the bittersweet “Thank You For a Life.” We don’t get albums from Kris very often, but this one’s worth the wait. B+
A Little Girl
