This year I have seen Kenny, Toby, and Randy in concert. Randy was the best by far. This I have bought Kenny, Toby, and Randy's new album and Randy's was the best again. Why?? Because he is Randy Travis!!!!!!

Landing @#3 indeed says it all. I'm sure it must be shocking a lot of folks Ms Pea. Of course we Randy fans have never doubted his abilities. I'm sure "Passing Through" would have faired well too, had it had the kind of backing that WBN is putting to "Around The Bend". Dee

Everyone hears things differently, because they expect a particular performance from a specific artist.

Randy I believe is held to a higher standard for excellence (in his genre) because he is a far superior talent. As the good book says, "To whom much is given, much is expected" .I don't always agree with their take on a specific song "Faith In You " for example. I hear nothing religious about that song....nothing. But because one can interpret a lyrics differently, it's possible for someone to draw that conclusion. Add Randy's genuine spirituality, it becomes even easier for people to make the association to it being faith intended.

I personally appreciate all the reviews that Linda finds and shares with us here. Not all of us may have the time or know how (me) to search for them.
Dee

There will always be that "occasional" intermittent, irregular, sporadic, odd, random; periodic; uncommon, rare, isolated, few and far between, review, which I pay no mind to. I feel good music is good music to the listener whether they be the younger crowd or the "older" crowd. One thing no reviewer and dispute is the quality of Randy's voice. Debuting at #3 says the entire story right there.
Pat

I would think they would have no choice but to take notice and just in case they aren't aware of it maybe we should each send our local stations a copy of the review.

With the debut Around the Bend just had on the carts radio must take notice and play they songs... I pray.

I must say Thank You Linda for all the reviews. The rest of us might never see them without your help. Goodness do you stay up 24/7 looking for them. Hope you are getting some sleep and letting Greg out now and then God Bless Keep it UP.

It is only one person's opinion. And after 22 yrs, a good, bad or lukewarm review is not going to change my mind about Randy. I only worry about younger country music fans out there who won't give the CD a chance because of something they read in a review. Heaven knows the way things are going right now they won't be exposed to Randy's music on the radio, at least not the new stuff. Country radio plays very little true country music right now.

Anyway, I enjoy reading the reviews, especially the ones I agree with. Keep em coming!

Pat, you're welcome as is everyone who enjoys reading them..

Here is another review a friend sent over to me. We thought this one was pretty good also. Since Itunes is not accessible with people such as myself using screen readers, I appreciate her taking the time to share.

iTunes Review
The return of Randy Travis to secular country music has to be considered a bona fide
event. Yet part of the charm of Around The Bend, the singer’s first non-gospel album
in nine years, is its deliberately low-key quality. Produce Kyle Lehning harkens
back to his work with Travis two decades ago for inspiration, then strips away extraneous
pop elements (except for strings) to reveal the traditional structures beneath. Travis
retains the endearing vocal mannerisms of his early records – the pinched highs and
grumbling lows are all here. What’s added is a sense of wisdom and forgiveness in
his delivery, as well as greater comic timing (Check out his rendering of the droll
“Everything That I Own(Has Got a Dent)” for proof.) Travis’ deeply-held Christian
beliefs lend a patina of spiritual love to good-humored tunes like “Every Head Bowed”
and “From Your Knees” as well as reverent ballads like “Faith in You”. The album’s
sound is crisp and uncluttered, with song like “Turn it Around” and the title tune
ambling along to sparkling acoustic guitars. Around the bend is a quietly masterful
work by an artist who has made the transition from youn hunk into gentlemanly sage.

Always and Forever...an RT fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I have been MIA for a day or so, but was glad to see the Barnes and Noble Review. I think the best words in this, is: "This Peerless singer". Thanks for keeping me up to date with what is going on, even if I happen to miss a day on this great site.
Pat

Yes thanks for all the reviews. It is always nice to read a good review but in reality they are all just someone else's opinion. Whether good or bad. If it is a bad review it just makes you think that the person doesn't really care for Randy or his music and if it is a good review we feel the opposite. Personally I take each one with a grain of salt.

I especially love the last line where he calls him a "peerless singer". The definition of peerless says it all... having no equal; matchless; unrivaled.

This review is on the B&N site but i noted it is written by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of all Music guide. He has written several reviews of Randy's albums in the past. although it doesn't say anything we perhaps haven't heard before, it does present a little different take on it.

Again, I'm not sure i agree with all that he says but it is just one man's opinion.

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg