Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (Standard) | Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (Deluxe)
Download @ Amazon.co.uk (Standard) | Download @ Amazon.co.uk (Deluxe)
Download @ iTunes (Standard) | Download @ iTunes (Deluxe)
The last time that we heard anything from Mr Richie was back in 2009 with his album, Just Go. Now in 2012, he returns with his new album, Tuskegee.
Before we start, we’d like to point out that our review pertains to the UK/European version of the album (which we’ve discovered that some of the duets are different compared to the US version) The album’s name comes from the town where Lionel was born, brought up and inspired. There is no new material on this album, but re-workings of classic tracks with some of country’s biggest names. Opening with You Are with Blake Shelton, your immediately brought into the sound of the album. Next we have Say You, Say Me with Rasmus Seebach. Stuck On You features Darius Rucker and features some great harmonies despite the voices sounding familiar whilst Deep River Woman features Little Big Town and as a group effort sounds great.
Kenny Chesney features on the next track, My Love with Rascal Flatts joining Lionel for the still full of energy, Dancing On The Ceiling (then again, this couldn’t have been done any other way). The beautiful Hello (which we now rate as possibly the best phone holding music ever) with Jennifer Nettles features some simple instrumentation with just drums, strings, guitar and vocals. Joining Lionel on the classic Sail On is Jill Johson whos vocals work great together. Next is Endless Love featuring the one and only Shania Twain (someone who, at least this end of the world, has been quiet) although we do think it’s good in it’s own right, it’s not as good as the original.
The 2004 song Just For You comes up next with Billy Currington and sounds just like the original, just in duet form. Next we have two well known country artists in the form of Kenny Rodgers on Lady and Willie Nelson on Easy. Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Refeer Band bring a calypso rhythm to the song All Night Long. Finally, we have Angel with British singer Pixie Lott (and it’s quickly became a favourite of ours from the album).
Lionel is one of these artists who, no matter when he has released has always managed to stay relevant without compromising. Whilst there is nothing new track wise here, it is interesting to hear the tracks re-imagined and still sounding as good as when they first came out. Despite their re-imagining, the distinctive melodies remain familiar and the duets works well right down to harmonies.
Maybe not for all fans but hopefully everyone will find something here.
Rating: 4/5
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