Randy Travis: 25th Anniversary Celebration

When Randy Travis celebrates, he does it in good company. Joining him on Randy Travis: 25th Anniversary Celebration are Gene Watson, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Alan Jackson, Don Henley, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, and quite a few more well-known names in the music industry, and we’re not just talking country music. So much for a “Better Class of Losers.”

Travis’s reassuring voice and “just folks” presence have assured him a following for a quarter of a century, and Randy Travis: 25th Anniversary Celebration is a collection of greatest hits as performed by Travis and his guests. There’s not a song included that shouldn’t be, and many of them have been tinkered with, producing a different take on what are now old standards. Travis fans would be perfectly happy with a solo album, but the added value of so many country-superstars is hard to resist.

“Is It Still Over,” featuring Carrie Underwood, is one of the brightest spots, as is an outstanding medley with Alan Jackson, “Better Class of Losers/She’s Got the Rhythm (and I Got the Blues).” Zac Brown band joins in on a lively rendition of a song we couldn’t even imagine not including, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and Brad Paisley and Travis perform a neat version of “Everything and All.” The Paisley duet is a kicky tune, but listen to the words—Travis has always been one to share common-sense philosophy, as he does here, and there’s a great message.

Other performers on Randy Travis: 25th Anniversary Celebration are John Anderson, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamey Johnson, Shelby Lynne, Eamonn McCrystal, Lorrie Morgan, James Otto, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Joe Stampley, and Josh Turner. This is an incredible collection of talented voices performing favorite songs. A 12-page booklet accompanying the CD includes the words to each song, a note from Travis, and photographs taken over the years.

Having listened to Randy Travis (and seeing him in concert) over the course of the last 25 years, I am well satisfied, nay—thrilled, with Randy Travis: 25th Anniversary Celebration, and look forward to his future releases. Perhaps a Randy Travis: 26th Anniversary Celebration?

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Article Author: Bob Etier

Two words describe Bob Etier: "female" and "weird." Like many freelance writers, there's something about her that isn't quite right. Read her stuff and find out what.

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