Reviewed by Dave Brassington

The album title is an interesting concept as Larry admits that it is partially a tribute to his great musical hero, the late Johnny Cash, but also illustrates his own personal journey through stardom in country music with its highs and lows. The opening track "I Never Had A Brother" is a very personal tribute to Johnny Cash, someone who was a great encourager to Larry in his early career and with whom he remained a close friend for the rest of his life. He even sang "Help Me" at June and Johnny's funerals, a song that they encouraged him with at the start of his career and which he has vowed to sing at every live concert he does as a tribute to their memories, though strangely the song is not included on this album. Larry soon gives us new renditions of two of his popular tunes "Sweet Becky Walker" and "Penny Anne". The rest of the album comprises some original material interspersed with several narrative sections by Larry talking about his musical and spiritual pilgrimage. Included are duets with Lari White on "I've Done Enough Dyin' Today" and the Gaither Vocal Band on "He Bought Her Back". I particularly enjoyed "Black Gold", "Come Back To Texas" and "If I Ever See You Or Utah Again". The only track that I didn't like was "Americans, That's Who" which whilst musically strong grates on me with its patronising lyric purporting the view that American actions in the world are always good! Sadly this isn't the first time such shallow jingoism has crept into country music albums. Having said that, it is really encouraging to hear Larry in such fine form especially when several years ago it seemed unlikely that he would ever sing again due to serious vocal problems. There is a very moving testimony on a Gaither Homecoming DVD attesting to God's healing.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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