Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul

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Music reviews of Mountain Soul

Music Review: Could not have been any better; great songs, and that voice!
Rating: 5 Stars

This is one of those albums that, if you're reading this, you must get because your curiosity would kill you if you only knew what you were missing. And forget about a standout track list. This album is solid from start to finish. There isn't even a split second where I'm not completely captivated. But, let me say that the tracks that are truly beyond the beyond are "The Boys Are Back In Town" (not to be confused with the Thin Lizzy rock tune), "Daniel Prayed", "Cheap Whiskey", "Pretty Little Miss", "Sorrowful Angels", "Sounds of Loneliness", and my personal favorite, the smashing "The Richest Fool Alive". (BTW, I gave this album a few weeks of listening before writing a review, because I didn't want to be too overzealous during the newness of the album--because I was truly knocked out by it at the very first listen. So don't think I'm going into hysterics one day then burying it in the CD pile the next.)

The playing on the album is spectacular. Don't expect any knockout bluegrass breakdowns, though; this album is about the singing more than the playing. But the playing is impeccable, energetic, and truly inspired. The same certainly goes for Patty's voice, which truly shines through as a tremendous instrument perfect for this band and style of music. This woman has got pipes! She is like a cross between Tammy Wynette and Aretha Franklin (seriously).

I am also thrilled with the production on the album. It sounds so rich and alive that it almost feels like a live record; you can feel that acoustic bass a-thumping. Boquets all around for everyone involved.

I think the one thing that makes the album really stand out for me is the excellent usage of harmony vocals. Patty is accompanied through much of the album by her sister (as well as other singers, like Ricky Skaggs and Travis Tritt). The harmony vocals are so close and so alive. This is something that is very rare in today's recordings. Too many of these "divas" are too egomaniacal to allow harmony vocals to work with their voices (plus that's overproduced, overmixed garbage that has nothing to do with bands, harmonies, etc.; all old-school conventions--you know, the good ones that make sense--are out the window.)

Anyway, this album is a total success in every way, shape, and form. If this doesn't at least get nominated for every possible award for country album of the year, then I'll have to completely give up hope on Nashville ever turning itself around. If this album cannot remind people of how COUNTRY music is really SOUL music (hence the apt name of "Mountain Soul"), then I think the genre is doomed! (...)

Description of Mountain Soul

Christian & Gospel CDs

• Music > Styles
• Country
• Folk
• Pop