As a 17 year old music reviewer, I had no idea what to expect when I began listening to the latest Ronnie Milsap release. Unlike the artists that are just getting their starts, Ronnie did not write any of the tracks on the disc, but there is a sort of magic behind the songs picked for this release. With the title being “Country Again,” you expect everything that this CD brings; tears, love, and sarcasm all brought together to provide a record that is 100% country.

“A Better Word For Love” starts the CD on a lull. The song itself is great – a melodic ballad that brings out the great Ronnie Milsap voice that we all know. Although the song is a great song to be included on the CD, it isn’t the start that I was hoping for.

“Country Again” seems as if was written for Colt Ford to me. Over half the song is spoken with the chorus being a beautiful duet between Ronnie and the backing vocals. If the whole song sounded as amazing as the chorus, this would have easily been one of my favorite songs ever recorded, but unfortunately the almost “rapping” was just unneeded in my opinion.

Starting at “Cry Cry Darling,” my opinion of the album changed. The rest of the album was full of the classic country feel that I was expecting with the release. The Jimmie C. Newman remake provides the soulful aspect of Ronnie. There are few artists today that are able to get emotions moving like can be done by these traditional artists.

Other stand-out tracks include “Oh Linda” and “Fireworks.” The first, an upbeat track with a soulful vibe that tells the tale of a classic southern love tale. A love so true that the only thing you feel like doing is yell “Oh Linda”. “Fireworks” is just one of those songs that make you want to get up and dance! The basis is a love that makes you feel the fireworks no matter when or where, the love is just out of control.

After listening to the full album, I found that Ronnie has released yet another great album. Although some of the songs are remakes, it is just great to hear this voice yet again. With a tour starting next month, this CD just proves that Ronnie is not ready to stop anytime soon.

Scotty B.
@stupidkid2150
cmttreviewer@yahoo.com