Water & Bridges
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"I've always said that I'm not a particularly great singer, but I've always been great at finding songs," says legendary singer Kenny Rogers. With a list of hits that date back to the 1950s, Rogers' words are an understatement. From classics like "The Gambler," "Lady," and "Islands In The Stream," to newer hits "Buy Me A Rose" and "The Greatest," Rogers is one of the best 'song men' in the business. The aging (but seemingly ageless) performer is back in the game with a new album, Water & Bridges.
Produced by the man with the golden touch, Dann Huff (Faith Hill, Keith Urban), Water & Bridges finds Rogers in great vocal shape, but once again it's the songs that take center stage. The mid-tempo chugger "Someone Is Me" sets forth some timely advice for all of mankind. Instead of sitting around complaining about the state of the world around us, we should get up off our couches and take action. "Somebody should do something about it," Rogers sings, "maybe that someone is me." "I Can't Unlove You," a beautiful ballad that fits Rogers' subtle vocal style perfectly, deals with love lost. The rock guitar solo is a bit out of place, but the song works despite it.
Don Henley joins Rogers for "Calling Me," a track that comes dangerously close to the gospel classic, "People Get Ready." Lightly fingered piano and tasteful accordion fills, married to Rogers' and Henley's voices, make the song an album highlight. "The Last Ten Years (Superman)" takes a look at the past decade. From 9/11, to the death of Christopher Reeves, who really did prove to be a man with steel in his soul, Rogers touches a lot of emotional nerves on the track. "One Life," another beautiful ballad, couldn't have found a better host. Rogers offers his heart to the woman he loves, wishing he had eternity to spend with her.
"Water & Bridges" is a profound number: a young couple, an unexpected pregnancy, and a decision that will (and does) haunt them forever. The moving track will pierce a few souls. "Half A Man" lightens the mood a bit. The swampy arrangement complements songwriter Anthony Smith's storyline. Rogers admits he wouldn't be whole without his woman. The singer is best when he's tugging at our hearts, and he does it throughout the album, but no more so than on the lump-in-the-throat, "My Petition." A little boy solicits signatures for a law where "daddies don't work late," where the suffering kids on TV get "all they want to eat," and where crime, AIDS, and drugs no longer exist. Powerful stuff.
It's always been about the song with Kenny Rogers, and Water & Bridges contains some of the best the 68-year-old has recorded in years. Looks like The Gambler isn't ready to 'fold 'em' just yet.
By Todd Sterling
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- PerformerKenny Rogers
- Music genreCountry, Contemporary Country
- Media formatCD
- Record labelCapitol Records Nashville
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"I've always said that I'm not a particularly great singer, but I've always been great at finding songs," says legendary singer Kenny Rogers. With a list of hits that date back to the 1950s, Rogers' words are an understatement. From classics like "The Gambler," "Lady," and "Islands In The Stream," to newer hits "Buy Me A Rose" and "The Greatest," Rogers is one of the best 'song men' in the business. The aging (but seemingly ageless) performer is back in the game with a new album, Water & Bridges.
Produced by the man with the golden touch, Dann Huff (Faith Hill, Keith Urban), Water & Bridges finds Rogers in great vocal shape, but once again it's the songs that take center stage. The mid-tempo chugger "Someone Is Me" sets forth some timely advice for all of mankind. Instead of sitting around complaining about the state of the world around us, we should get up off our couches and take action. "Somebody should do something about it," Rogers sings, "maybe that someone is me." "I Can't Unlove You," a beautiful ballad that fits Rogers' subtle vocal style perfectly, deals with love lost. The rock guitar solo is a bit out of place, but the song works despite it.
Don Henley joins Rogers for "Calling Me," a track that comes dangerously close to the gospel classic, "People Get Ready." Lightly fingered piano and tasteful accordion fills, married to Rogers' and Henley's voices, make the song an album highlight. "The Last Ten Years (Superman)" takes a look at the past decade. From 9/11, to the death of Christopher Reeves, who really did prove to be a man with steel in his soul, Rogers touches a lot of emotional nerves on the track. "One Life," another beautiful ballad, couldn't have found a better host. Rogers offers his heart to the woman he loves, wishing he had eternity to spend with her.
"Water & Bridges" is a profound number: a young couple, an unexpected pregnancy, and a decision that will (and does) haunt them forever. The moving track will pierce a few souls. "Half A Man" lightens the mood a bit. The swampy arrangement complements songwriter Anthony Smith's storyline. Rogers admits he wouldn't be whole without his woman. The singer is best when he's tugging at our hearts, and he does it throughout the album, but no more so than on the lump-in-the-throat, "My Petition." A little boy solicits signatures for a law where "daddies don't work late," where the suffering kids on TV get "all they want to eat," and where crime, AIDS, and drugs no longer exist. Powerful stuff.
It's always been about the song with Kenny Rogers, and Water & Bridges contains some of the best the 68-year-old has recorded in years. Looks like The Gambler isn't ready to 'fold 'em' just yet.
By Todd Sterling
