Classic Rewind: Dottie West and Steve Wariner – ‘Rings Of Gold/Sweet Memories’

A very young Steve Wariner duetting with his then boss, Dottie West, in the early 70s:

Single Review: Chris Young – ‘Tomorrow’

Whenever Chris Young’s name comes up in conversation, the consensus is often that he is an exceptional vocalist who has yet to find songs worthy of his talent. While I’ve enjoyed most of his records so far, I have to concede that this point of view is not without justification, for while Young’s vocal chops put him in the same league as Haggard, Jones and Whitley, he hasn’t yet released a “Mama Tried”, “Grand Tour” or “Don’t Close Your Eyes”. He has, however, shown steady improvement with each release, and while “Tomorrow” doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of those classics, it is his strongest single release to date.

The song is about a couple’s reluctance to go their separate ways despite knowing that their relationship is broken beyond repair.  It’s a tried and true theme that we’ve heard countless times, in classics such as “For The Good Times”, “I’m Not Ready Yet”, “Someday When Things Are Good” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” It’s hardly an original premise for a country song, yet it’s one that always seems to work, and “Tomorrow” is no exception.

Young sounds personally invested in the lyrics and makes the listener feel the couple’s angst and pain. His performance is emotional, yet not overwrought or bombastic like so many contemporary country records. The presence of the fiddle and steel will please traditionalists, while the slightly more prominent electric guitar riffs give the record enough of a contemporary edge to appeal to prevailing radio tastes. I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be another #1 hit for the Tennessee native, and I am looking forward to listening to his new album, for which no release date has yet been announced.

Grade: A

“Tomorrow” doesn’t officially ship to radio until February 22nd, but in the meantime, you can listen to it here.