| CD Review: Lucky Man - Hal Ketchum | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
In the early 1990s Hal Ketchum was one of those artists who was instantly recognizable when his songs came on the radio. Songs like "Small Town Saturday Night" and "Stay Forever" were among his radio hits. In the mid 1990s, Hal had a battle with alcoholism and a disorder that affected his muscles that almost took his life. In fact, the doctors said he might never be able to walk again or even play the guitar. One year after the illness, Hal was married and with his wife's help, he not only walks, he tours and plays his guitar better than he ever did before. As a bonus, Hal is now a devoted father of two beautiful daughters.
On Lucky Man, Hal's first CD of all new songs since 1998s "I Saw The Light," Hal has teamed up with friend and songwriter Rodney Crowell to produce his best CD yet. This isn't an easy feat for his last CD, "Awaiting Redemption" was an Alt-Country classic as it dealt with themes of depression, alcoholism and tough luck. "Awaiting Redemption" was actually recorded before "I Saw The Light" but was scrapped after Hal's life took an unexpected upswing.
On "Loving You Makes Me A Better Man," Hal sings this beautiful song just as well as Vince Gill did on the "For Love Of The Game" film Soundtrack. Written by Rodney Crowell about his wife and former Reprise recording artist Claudia Church, the lyrics are sincere and sweet. This should be a huge hit.
"Don't Let Go" is a fun Rockabilly style song that features Ricochet on the background vocals. This song is a remake of the classic song. Hal and Ricochet sound great together.
"Dreams Of Martina" is another song written by Rodney Crowell. This neat song has a shuffle beat and Spanish styled guitar accenting the tale of a man who cannot get that mysterious woman off his mind. Not a song that radio will play, but it is a good showcase of Hal's versatile vocals.
"Two Of The Lucky Ones" is the current radio single and is a duet with the great Dolly Parton. I really hope this Sherrie Austin penned song gets the light of day at radio for Hal and Dolly sound awesome together.
"Keep Mom And Dad In Love" was released, and was a hit as well, in Canada for Hal and duet partner Lisa Brokop. This song is a bit out of place on the CD but is still a great but sad song. Lisa sings from the point of view of a child caught in the middle of a messy divorce.
"She Is" was the first single off of the CD. Written by Hal himself, this song was written about Hal's wife Gina. I am still surprised that this song wasn't a hit. It had everything you'd expect a hit to have, a great sing-a-long chorus and a nice beat.
Song List:
Song clips courtesy Barnes & Noble.
Album cover, used with permission of Curb.
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