Precious Memories
Gaither, 2020
8/10
Listen to Precious Memories Worship & Faith
The seven-time Grammy winner Randy Travis returns with a collection of gospel tunes, where worship songs and hymns are culled from his many decades of worldwide embraced song craft.
“Blessed Assurance” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar paired with the inimitable drawl that Travis is known for as backing female vocals and light percussion are also in attendance, and “How Great Thou Art” follows with a hushed delivery of country influenced gospel.
The remainder of the album follows suit lyrically, of course, as Travis shifts in tempo with the upbeat, pickin’ fun of the snappy “I’ll Fly Away”, while also being no stranger to sublime balladry such as the agile “Peace In The Valley”, where a lazy harmonica adds much to the equation.
Travis keeps the album strong all the way though, as deep cuts like the folk tinted “Sweet By And By” flow with breezy melodies, and “Are You Washed In The Blood?” glides with banjo acrobatics amid a bluegrass friendly atmosphere. “Three Wooden Crosses” ends the listen with soft harmonies and vivid storytelling in a timeless delivery that he’s built his career on.
Travis is nothing if not reliable, and again he proves just why he’s sold 25+ million albums, and is still securing new fans well into his 60s. The guy just seemingly can’t write a bad tune.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits