Together Again
Omnivore, 2021
9/10
Buck Owens brought along the singer Susan Raye when he took over Hee Haw in 1969, and it wasn’t long until the pair would be recording albums together. Raye proved to be an exceptional talent herself, and secured three Top 40 country hits on her own, and here we’re treated to 22 tracks recorded between 1970-1975, where 10 are Raye solo performances and 12 are duets with Owens.
“Foolin’ Around” starts the listen with Raye’s inimitable and pretty singing alongside snappy and bouncy instrumentation that will get your body moving, and “High As The Mountains” continues with Owens’ familiar pipes guiding the playful country rocker, where Raye’s contributions add much grace to the breezy climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Think Of Me” blends the pair’s voices with much beauty alongside the playfully plucked bass, while “Your Tender Loving Care” is a calmer, emotive track that’s quite heartfelt. “I’ve Got You On My Mind Again”, a Raye tune, then welcomes well timed piano for a gospel influenced album highlight that soars with a dreamy spirit amid the pedal steel.
Inching towards the end, “The Good Old Days (Are Here Again)” flows amid a sublime duet as warm piano and soft drumming complement the cozy landscape, and “Love Is Strange” exits the listen with frisky drumming and charming guitar as the 2 harmonize splendidly.
Of the tracks here, six reached the Top 40 and five entered the Top 20. However, every song here is a gem, and shows us the early days of the future country superstar Susan Raye, and, of course, Owens’ delivery is top notch and as timeless as ever.
Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- In The Palm Of Your Hand