George Jones & Friends - God's Country

George Jones' career has spanned decades but somehow they were able to pick out just 9 of his songs to cover for a tribute album by fellow artists. Just narrowing it down had to have been daunting in itself and the tenth track on the album was a new one that George himself recorded, "God's Country." It is set to be the first single release. The album was recorded in eight weeks, an amazing thing considering the artists that had to be brought in to record. There is also a documentary DVD included on the making of this album. The documentary is extremely interesting as you are able to see behind the scenes in the studio as the songs are recorded as well as glimpses of what happens 'between takes.' And of course each of the artists share a little of how George Jones has influenced them over the years. This wonderful album was released by Category 5 Records. Billy Joe Walker, Jr and Category 5 CEO Ray Termini produced the album. The track "Beer Run" was produced by Allen Reynolds.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" is often said to be the greatest country song of all time, and was covered by Sammy Kershaw. Kershaw is often said to have a vocal style similar to Jones, and you can truly appreciate that when listening to him sing this song. Tanya Tucker covered "Window Up Above," lending her own almost bluesy vocal interpretation at the end of the song. Joe Diffie did an energetic cover of "White Lightning," and newcomer Shonna Faegan joined Joe for a medley of "Golden Rings/We're Gonna Hold On." Pam Tillis has a voice that is so smooth and pure and her cover of "Take Me" was one of my favorite tracks. Other contributing artists were Vince Gill, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Lawrence and the duet "Beer Run" with Garth Brooks was included as well. The music disc itself is a great keepsake by itself, but with the addition of the documentary DVD it becomes a true collector's item.