Alan Jackson: Precious Memories
 Following in the footsteps of many country greats such as Randy Travis, Brenda Lee and Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson has added to the venerable canon of country artists singing the great hymns of the church. Unlike many other gospel CDs, "Precious Memories" does not come across as pretentious or spurious. Rather, recorded as a labor of love for his mother as a Christmas gift, Jackson's performance here is indubitably heartfelt. And wrapping his distinctive baritone around all around those vastly familar notes, Jackson gives each of these gospel chesnuts a warm glow brimming with a southern charm. With only a piano, acoustic guitars and organ, simplicity is the order of the day. The songs are all reflective, so there is none of the foot stomping Southern Gospel. But it is just a soothing album to listen to all the way through. Alan’s voice is smooth and just flows through songs like “Blessed Assurance,” “I Love to Tell the Story” and “Standing on the Promises.” The fifth track is a song called “Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus” and he had very special help for that one. His wife, Denise, and children Mattie, Ali and Dani sing backup for that song.
Though there are 15 tracks, many of these songs only run for over a minute or so, making this a very listenable CD without being monotonous. However, this can work as a double-edged sword as the CD only clocks in for a little more than half an hour. This album is wonderful start to finish. It is amazingly relaxing and calming to listen to and the vocals are beyond reproach. It is sung from the heart and it shows.
Song List | 1. | Blessed Assurance | 1:56 | | 2. | Softly And Tenderly | 3:18 | | 3. | I Love To Tell The Story | 2:52 | | 4. | When We All Get To Heaven | 1:44 | | 5. | 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus | 1:52 | | 6. | In The Garden | 2:55 | | 7. | Are You Washed In The Blood? | 1:17 | | 8. | I'll Fly Away | 2:11 | | 9. | What A Friend We Have In Jesus | 2:15 | | 10. | Standing On The Promises | 1:36 | | 11. | Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus | 3:46 | | 12. | Leaning On The Everlasting Arms | 1:35 | | 13. | The Old Rugged Cross | 3:06 | | 14. | How Great Thou Art | 3:32 | | 15. | I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You | 3:08 |
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