A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out
Country Rewind, 2022
8/10
Listen to A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out
The ‘50s were a great period for the American honky tonk singer and guitarist Webb Pierce, who amassed more #1 hits than any other country artist during that decade. Here, we’re treated to 15 of his classics, where his unique vocal delivery and inimitable guitar playing sounds better than ever with this upgraded sound and additional instrumentation.
“Ain’t I Never” starts the listen with some warm, calm honky tonk, where soulful vocals complement the spirited guitar, and “Why Baby Why” follows with Ernie Reed’s skilled fiddle helping add much appeal to the melodic country climate that allows Pierce’s vocals to really soar.
Further along, “Memory #1” welcomes cozy twang amid Pierce’s emotive singing, while “There Stands The Glass” gets quite dreamy, although the wordplay is about being down on your luck and sure does illustrate Dug Grieves’ meticulous electric guitar.
Deeper on the back half, “Fool, Fool, Fool” emits a very retro beauty that twinkles a bit and benefits from Pierce’s stirring voice, and “It’s My Way” exits the listen with a heartfelt and very intimate landscape.
An innovator during his time, Pierce’s contributions to honky tonk are substantial, and his way of meshing country with rockabilly inspired legions of artists. A truly exceptional collection of music, these songs are essential for the classic country fan.
Travels well with: Bob Luman- Honky Tonk Man; Tex Ritter- The Songs Of The West