The Bottom Line
Pros
- “Never Alone”
- "Oklahoma Swing” (A Duet with Reba McEntire)
- “When I Call Your Name”
Cons
- None.
Description
- 7 of 10 Songs written or co-written by Vince.
- Won Vince his first Grammy for “Best Male Country Vocal” with the title track.
- Released in 1989 by MCA Records.
Guide Review - Vince Gill - When I Call Your Name
This is the one that started it all for Vince Gill. While he’d recorded throughout the 1980’s for RCA Records, the move to MCA Nashville was a much needed kick in the promotional pants for Vince. Not only did this CD return Vince to his traditional roots, it also announced an arrival (along with the rest of “the class of ’89) of a major star: One with the complete package of musical ability, charisma and good looks.The first single from the collection was “Never Alone.” It was a nice bridge from RCA to MCA for Vince. The next single was the duet with Reba McEntire: “Oklahoma Swing.” It’s a playful piece of country dance music that is as vital 15 years later as it was back then. The third single is the one that proclaimed Vince a star. The song was the title track and one of Vince’s earliest number one hits. “Never Knew Lonely” is the surprise hit on the record. An earlier recording of the song was found on one of Vince’s RCA albums and the one presented her is gussied up a bit while still conveying the feeling of a father who feels guilty and lonely when away from his young family for long periods of time. Of the “album tracks” both “Rita Ballou” and “Sight For Sore Eyes” stand out.
This was a historically popular album. It’s an album which, like most all of Vince’s work, really stands out, despite it being over 15 years old now. It’s one that should be in any country fan’s collection.
