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COUNTRY ROADS (Warner France) (2 CDs)
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The King of Love
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
A Different Sound for Hal at 2003-05-30
This CD is somewhat of a different sound for Hal - but a good different. From what I understand, this is the first record that he produced himself. It is somewhat of a break from his previous music, but I like the direction that his music seems to be going. There are a few upbeat numbers on this CD, but for the most part, the music is a little more mellow and heartfelt. I really dont understand why Hal doesnt get more radio play - he has been one of my favorite country artists for over a decade now. Take a listen - I dont think youll be disappointed!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
All hail the king of love at 2003-03-29
This new CD has not come out of my CD player since I got it...!!! Not only does Hals voice sound better than ever, his production skills are amazing! Its one of those CDs that every single song is a joy to listen to over and over. I never hit the skip track button. I love this CD and if you already love Hals music, it will be your favorite to date. If you arent familiar with his music this is by far the best introduction. All hail King Hal!!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Awesome as always at 2003-03-26
I have been a fan of Hal Ketchum since his first album. One thing that I have found that Hal does in his albums, is stray from the norm. His voice sounds heavenly on all of the tracks on this newest CD. If you listen to music for variety, a rich, warm voice, and originality, you will play this CD over and over.If you want the cookie cutter type music and sound, I wouldnt suggest this item.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal has done it again at 2004-01-29
I really loved this CD. It is a departure from his earlier albums , but, it shows how adaptable and versatile a vocalist hal really is. His voice just continues to get better with each passing album. He is by far my favorite artist and always manages to make me think and feel the lyrics with him. I especially liked Run Loretta Run and the Angel song. Hals children are lucky to have a father that can express his feelings so beautifully about fatherhood. Way to go HAL!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal Ketchum The King Of Words at 2003-06-10
Hals new CD, The King Of love, has been in my CD Player since I got it. I love every song on this CD and it shows the power of Hals voice to express the emotions within a song without going overboard with all the production that some producers like to throw in to country albums today. Every song fits well with the other songs on this collction unlike the songs on Lucky Man. I love everything Hal does but the Lucky Man album was my least favorite. I have every album of Hals including the very first one he did, Threadbare Alibis, there isnt a bad one in the whole lot. I would recommend this album highly to anyone who is willing to listen to the words and visualize in your minds eye the picture Hal is painting. Hal Ketchum is one of a very few songwriters who have a definite message in their work.
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Lucky Man
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Filled with a few gems at 2001-09-29
I think this is Hals best album in quite awhile. I have to disagree with some of the other reviewers in that I dont think he is trying so hard for radio airplay. I think that Rodney Crowell has produced a very good selection of songs. Two of the best are his own, Dreams of Martina and Loving You Makes Me a Better Man. True, not all 12 songs are masterpieces but without question it is filled with some memorable songs and strong vocals from Hal.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Loves all Hal sings to at 2002-07-21
Man this guy is good.Since Hal Ketchums first record on the Watermelon label many years ago, hes been singing about love and where its leading. Through the years, that destinations not always been clear, though now, like a man twice redeemed and this time for good, he offers us this excellent record rich with the theme of loves many blessings.Throughout this record Ketchum shows the growth thats made his later works so consistently good -- high-caliber songwriting, a unique voice, and enough honest style and delivery to make the common extraordinary. The Richest Man in Texas, the albums best song, sets this out plainly, with nearly sentimental lyrics that Ketchum elevates with his perfect delivery. The remaining songs are equally well-crafted, with 2 notable exceptions. The record includes not one but two duets, one with Dolly Parton and the other with Lisa Brokop, and theyre simply awful. Out of place, they seem like last minute efforts to make the record more radio-friendly, and theyre decided stinkers.Ketchums so consistently good its hard not to crave some luck for him to return to the commercial success he had with his first two major releases, though that doesnt seem meant to be. Still, Ketchum appears content to show his growth. 15 years ago he sang that loves a word far better left unsaid. Today, hes less poetic and more sincere, proof if we needed it that our best singer/songwriters grow with age, and to have 10 songs about love from someone of Ketchums level is a stroke of luck indeed.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Fresh and Poignant at 2001-10-04
After the critically acclaimed, Awaiting Redemption, I was waiting to see what Hal would have to offer next. This collection (produced by Rodney Crowell) is full of great songs penned by Hal and several other talented writers. Opening the set with the strong and melodic (Shes Something) Youre Everything, Hal moves from tune to tune with mastery. Other strong cuts are: Thats How Much you Mean To Me, Loving You Makes Me A Better Man, Dreams of Martina, Two Of The Lucky Ones (with Dolly), and Livin Life Lovin You. The gems in this collection that stand out for their artistic value are the Ketchum penned Shes Still In Love, Richest Man In Texas, which is true to Hals earliest writing style and more reminiscent of the tunes on Sure Love, and the deeply moving She Is, penned for his beautiful wife, Gina. The stinker in the collection is the out-of-place remake of Roy Hamiltons 1958 pop hit, Dont Let Go. Hals musical influence continues to grow in the Americana music industry as does his songwriting talents; ever changing. I dont believe his intentions are to garner radio airplay as much as to turn out the best songs his pen can create. This is where he finds success and satisfaction!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Not just for tried and true Hal fans at 2001-12-06
I am a longtime fan of Hal Ketchum, but this CD will delight even those listeners who are not as devoted as I am. I keep listening to this CD over and over again! From the very first song, Youre Everything, you are grabbed and find yourself humming along. You Cant Go Back will get your toe tapping and fingers snapping, and Dont Let Go, has the influence of swing behind it. The songs are upbeat and catchy. The downside to this CD is the two duets. Dolly Parton sounds off-tune most of the time and Lisa Brokops voice was never a favorite to begin with. He would be better off to keep it a solo act next time or find someone who is more compatible to his vocal style. Overall though, a great buy. You will keep this one close at hand and listen to it often!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hes Baaack at 2002-01-05
Wow! I am already incredibly impressed. Man, I am so glad to see that he has an album that will send him back to the top of the charts where he belongs.Take a listen to Dont Let Go and the duet with Dolly Parton Two of the Lucky Ones if you dont believe that Hal Ketchum is one of the most talented artists of our time. Thank goodness for Rodney Crowells (the producer of this album) insight and expertise to perfectly blend the radio friendly songs with the trademark Hal Ketchum without losing an ounce of the soul and essence that we have all come to know and love as Hal Ketchum.I highly recommend this album to any music fan, and it is an essential part of any Hal Ketchum fans collection.
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Awaiting Redemption
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
What Garth could not do at 1999-12-01
With this album, Hal has accomplished what Garth Brooks tried to do by creating his alter-ego Chris Gaines. He has shown us the variety and depth of his musical talent, without betraying his country roots, nor trying to hide behind a false persona. Hal plays some rock, some blues, some country, and its all music form the heart. I cant get over what an incredible album this is. Anyone with a desire for passionate music should pick this one up. Youll never put it down.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal true to form at 2002-06-27
I you like the soulfull country of Hal Ketchum you will not be dissappointed with this selection. Excellent music to relax to or work to.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Redemption at last! at 2001-10-17
This CD is awesome from beginning to end. It has to be Hals best CD release to date, partially due to the fact that the songs were recorded live in the studio. The songwriting is superb; listen to the tenderness of the opening song Days of Wonder. There are five songs previously recorded on the I SAW THE LIGHT CD that are given a new treatment here. The live recordings give the songs a new life, removing the polished studio sound that was evident in prior releases. Dear Anna Lee was written in the hull of a ferryboat in which Ketchum stowed away. It is delivered as a letter from a man who is lost at sea in a storm to his girl back home and describes the feelings of hopelessness and despair experienced. When Blue Was Just A Color is a great song about sadness. My favorite song on this CD is the bluesy title cut, Awaiting Redemption, which features a hot electric guitar solo by producer Stephen Bruton. I cant say anything negative about any of the cuts on this CD, and thats a rare thing for me to say.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Not a bad disc... at 2000-04-07
This album has a lot of great songs on it, but it lacks one thing: consistency. Although its clear that Hal is trying to explore new territory, it still seems like hes afraid to go all the way and leave his days of top 40 country behind. As soon as he can let go of the country sound he is supposed to have, he will be able to do some knockout music. Although this album pushes the envelope somewhat, several of the tracks are carried over from Hals previous attempt to break onto radio, I SAW THE LIGHT. Good album, but Hal needs to let loose a little more.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
A Breakthrough CD from a Brilliant Singer/Songwriter at 2000-01-05
Ive always loved Hal Ketchum, but this album is a quantum leap beyond anything hes released before. Its intimate, heartbreaking, beautiful and raw. Not at all typical country, it incorporates blues and rock in a way that even my husband, who hates country music, pricked up his ears and remarked, Who is this? This is really interesting! Im sorry Hal had to go through the hell he apparently endured in the past few years, but this is an honest breakthrough album similar in feeling (if not in sound) to Bonnie Raitts Nick of Time and John Hiatts Bring the Family. I hope the Powers That Be in Nashville allow Hal to continue releasing great albums like this that push the boundaries of the genre.
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I Saw the Light
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Finally, I saw the light... at 2001-10-17
A new wife, a new home in Chicago, and a new CD; life seems to be looking downright peaceful for Hal Ketchum. This long awaited CD features several songs well equipped for country radio starting with the lead single I Saw The Light. Other recommendable songs are When Love Looks Back At You, Too Many Memories, and The Unforgiven. This is a great CD and is worth taking a listen to.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hals Best CD to date! at 2000-01-21
I have all of Hals CDs except Awaiting Redemption which I plan on getting soon. So from all of the other CDs of his this one is by FAR the best of the bunch! Of course it didnt have the commercial success of his earlier CDs but this is this best work. Usually on anyones CD I would skip a song or two that I didnt like but not with this album. Every song is of high quality that you will never get sick of. My favorite on the album is For Tonight. Get this album and you wont go wrong.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
arghargharghdiediedie at 2003-02-21
this should be burned for the awful cover of Rundgrens great song :P
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
I Saw the Light......simply AWESOME! at 2002-04-05
Im a newcomer to Hals music, but of the four tapes of his that I own, this is most definitely my favorite. He has a style all his own...so real and enthusiastic...this is one CD you wont wanna pass up! A few of my favorite cuts are: For Tonight, The Unforgiven, Tell Me and When Love Looks Back at You. Such an incredible compilation of songs...you wont regret purchasing this one!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal Ketchum......I Love This CD!!! at 2005-04-26
Id heard, and liked, Hal on the radio for years. Then I saw him on Austin City Limits singing songs from this CD and fell in love with his music! I grew up listening to the Country greats - Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Ferlin Husky, Carl Smith, etc... Okay, the songs on I Saw the Light have a little lusher arrangements in general, but still there is something about the music that makes me think of classic country. Maybe its that the songs have the ring of everyday-truth that Hanks had or that Hals voice is as warm and sweet as Ray Prices. Whatever the reason, I consider this CD Classic country. It is never out of my CD player for long and I never even THINK of skipping a song. My favorites are Tell Me, Long Way Down, The Unforgiven, and For Tonight, but really there is not a bad song on the entire CD. If you like Classic country...heck, if you like good music period, give this CD a try.
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The Hits
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal Ketchum rocks! at 2003-09-09
You will not be disappointed by anything on this. Hal Ketchum is an vocal genius!!! I really like anything he does. His voice is amazing!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
You wont be disappointed with anything by Hal Ketchum at 2003-01-03
Hal Ketchums THE HITS is a good place to start if youre not familiar with Hals catalog. Hal was raised in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York but moved to Florida when he was 17 and then to Texas where he immediately started to hone his songwriting skills and play the Texas dance hall circuit. The influence of the Lone Star state is apparent in Hals singing and songwriting. The solo-penned I Miss My Mary is hands-down my favorite track with Sure Love, I Know Where Love Lives and Stay Forever following closely behind. Although Randy Travis also recorded the Tony Arata composition, Satisfied Mind, Hals aching vocal on this track is incomparable.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal Ketchum Has Guts! at 2005-07-27
After seeing Hal live in Austin, TX at One World Theater an old favorite became my new BEST CHOICE for original songs and the deepest most honest voice ever put to music. Hal is a hit with me and its not the Small Town Saturday Night that put him on the map that shows his abilities like Satisfied Mind and others you may not have heard yet. Get this CD now, you wont be disappointed at all.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
HAL THE FIRST! at 2005-07-08
Having heard this distinctive, slightly husky, voice and stopped to listen each time I heard it I decided it was time to have this voice in my house.On research I found The Hits. Where better to start? Fourteen songs from a master of Country; a feast to be sure. From the old favourite Small Town Saturday Night to the classic Wings Of A Dove there is something for everyone. A real joy to own.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
The Hits by Hal Ketchum at 2006-03-15
I love Hal Ketchums music and the fact that he composes most of what he records. I have seen him live on stage and really enjoyed him. I already had most of his music on cassette, but needed a CD to play in my mini-van.
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Every Little Word
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Its more than just I love you, baby, its every little word at 2001-10-12
Hal Ketchum kick-starts his third album with the single release of (Tonight We Just Might) Fall In Love Again, an uptempo two-stepper that creates excitement from the start. Walk Away and Veil Of Tears spice up the CD with their fancy guitar work. Stay Forever is the best song on the CD and will probably be his most memorable. Another Day Gone features Patty Loveless on harmony vocals, and Swing Low is a tender story of a homeless woman. I didnt enjoy this CD as much as his other two, but its still worth listening to. If you have a chance to see Ketchum in concert, it is a show not to be missed. Until then, order a copy of this CD.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
GREAT music!!! at 1999-05-03
I recently attended a concert by Hal in which he sang most of the songs on this CD, plus some of his other big hits, most notably Stay Forever. He and his band were absolutely fabulous! I cant wait till he comes this direction as I will definitely see him again. This CD taps into all emotions - happiness, sadness, longing, joy. For a great CD to play while driving down the highway, this is NOT to be missed!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
still a favorite of mine at 2000-09-19
Ive been a Hal Ketchum fan for years...loved Past the Point of Rescue, Small Town Saturday Night, Sure Love...but really loved this CD the best. Hals music always speaks to me. Hes able to conjure up mental pictures and the feelings that go with these pictures, with the songs he writes and sings. I love the honesty and poignancy of this CD.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Mellow and Haunting... at 1998-06-12
I love Hal Ketchum and this CD just proves what a talent he is! The best songs on this CD were never released as singles. The beautiful haunting Swing Low, a song about a homeless woman and her child and Veil of Tears, about the death march of Native Americans shows what depth he possesses not only as a singer, but also as a writer. Hell never be a super star but if you like beautiful, thoughtful music then Hals the one.
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Sure Love
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
My favorite Hal. at 2002-06-27
Of the three Hal Ketchum CDs I own this is my favorite. It is a little more upbeat yet still carries the weight that so few country albums have. Mix a little folk blues and country and you have Hal Ketchum.Excellent stuff.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Lose myself and all I own to find sure love at 2001-10-12
This is a terrific follow-up to the Gold CD, PAST THE POINT OF RESCUE, featuring three top ten singles, Sure Love, Mama Knows The Highway, and Hearts Are Gonna Roll, and the top fifteen hit, Someplace Far Away (originally recorded by Ketchum in 1986 on his Watermelon album THREADBARE ALIBIS). You Lovin Me featuring Trisha Yearwood on harmony vocals is by far the best song on the CD. The haunting Trail Of Tears tells of the plight of Native Americans in the great Northwest and the sadness their people feel today. Til The Coast Is Clear and Softer Than A WHisper are also worth mentioning; the former a moderate Texas swing and the latter a gentle ballad. Order it now while its still available.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
An Interesting Mix... at 2000-03-13
...of songs in a strong vein. Ketchums voice is quite good but not extraordinary; what makes this album most worthwhile is the strong songwriting the artist serves up. Its interesting to go through from Mama Knows the Highway, about a truck-driving mama (literal mother or pet name?) to Daddys Oldsmobile in which he lauds his fathers beloved car (which also doubles as the family home) to Someplace Far Away, about a family where the father takes it into his head to go out west and pan for gold. The instrumentation is inventive and sturdy, and as I say the artists singing is better than average, but the real treat here is Ketchums inventive songwriting skill. Not for fans of twangy country -- Ketchum isnt a hat act, hes for purists and artists. If you like country the way it used to be, then enjoy!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
soulful and heartfelt at 2006-05-18
Forget what youve heard. The two best songs on this album are Trail of Tears and Somewhere Far Away. Holy moly, theyre good! Unlike anything youll hear from any other country artist. There are 4-5 other good songs on the album, but even if there werent, its worth buying for the two I mentioned.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
A fine commercial country album with a rootsy foundation at 2004-04-27
Pretty soft, and pretty slick, Ketchum croons -- like Vince Gill -- atop poppy, light arrangements, and yet he has a way of making the material not seem too cloying. Although the bit hits -- the title track, in particular -- are super poppy, and even Kenny Loggins-esque, Ketchums vocals are still very appealing, and I found all the songs on here very listenable. For variety, theres Mama Knew The Highway, an upbeat, rollicking trucker tune, and When The Coast Is Clear, a slinky, blues-laced number that sounds quite a bit like Lyle Lovetts hillbilly lounge-lizard routine. Also noteworthy is the doleful Daddys Oldsmobile, and folkish ballad about a family of migrant workers who live in their car. The only track I didnt like was the albums biggest hit, Hearts Are Gonna Roll, about a young girl whos a bit of a tease -- the music didnt grab me, and the lyrics are a little sexist. But other than that, this is a pretty good album, for the territory.
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Past the Point of Rescue
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Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Good thing I bought the CD! at 2001-06-22
I have a feeling I would have worn out a tape or album.Ketchum has a smooth, sincere delivery on songs that, for whatever reason, touch my heart. He has taken Five OClock World, normally a perky up-tempo song, and twisted it just enough in his delivery to give a sense of the yearning and anxiousness to get home to the life he really lives.Pick up this album if youre looking for a nice, mellow, non-hat act, country pop album.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Classic Album by a classic songwriter! at 2001-10-11
Hal Ketchums debut on Curb records offers up quite a succulent dish of Texas country at its finest. Ketchum can write, and theres nothing better than a writer who performs his own material. You are guaranteed to get the best interpretation in this collection of ten songs, seven of which are written by Ketchum. The artists talents are evident in the songs Somebodys Love, Long Day Comin, and She Found The Place, which was recorded previously as Bobbies Song on Ketchums independent album release, THREADBARE ALIBIS, on Watermelon records in 1986. Old Soldiers features Kathy Mattea singing background; I Miss My Mary is the reflection of a bar fly as he sees his true love fade away; and Dont Strike A Match (To The Book Of Love) tells of haunting dreams caused by a lovers leaving. Past The Point Of Rescue and Small Town Saturday Night are the hot tickets on the CD. I guess thats why Curb was smart enough to release them as singles and push the CD to the sales it achieved. This is by far my favorite Hal Ketchum CD.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Excellent mood music. at 2002-06-27
I love country music that has a bit of soul and most of the work on this album has just that. With all of the Shanias out there it is nice to hear a piece of work that just doesnt rely on typical country twang, over-produced drivel. This is good country.
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Hal- Nothing Better at 2004-11-05
I have every album Hal Ketchum has ever done. To me there is no one better. His voice has a richness and range that cannot be surpassed. He is a master writer, guitar player and singer that transcends any certain category to attach him to. One minute its country, the next a little soul, the next pop etc. A master story teller and usually there is a spiritual side to his music. He can tell a story like no other and you know that he has lived them as well. Well done, Hal!
Hal Ketchum Album Review:
Great! at 2004-07-09
Five Oclock World and many other great songs on this one. This CD is a hidden treasure and Im suprised it didnt get more airplay!!
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