The legendary bass-baritone voice of The Righteous Brothers turns his hand to country music and delivers a stunning album with Straight From The Heart.
Songs of the Righteous Brothers still command a strong presence on radio play and streaming services around the world, and for good reason. The combination of Bill Medley’s baritone perfection with the sweet tenor of Bobby Hatfield, along with Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound drama, created material that lives on through the decades. While Bobby has passed, Bill Medley, now in his early eighties, is still going strong. His new album demonstrates he may yet acquire new audiences, and remind those who grew up with his music that he has something wonderful to offer.
Such is the case with Straight From The Heart, a soulful and bluesy collection of country music. It’s his first album since the 2013 release of Your Heart To Mine: Dedicated To The Blues, and his tenth solo album since the 1981 release of Sweet Thunder, but Straight From The Heart reveals a new side of Medley that will appeal both to pop and country audiences.
The album arrives on February 21 (full streaming, CD and vinyl release); however the three numbers now available for streaming are powerful portents of Medley’s ability to connect with an audience. The album’s opener, “Crying Time Again” is the well-known country weeper written by Buck Owens, and here Bill duets with the inimitable Michael McDonald. It’s a wonderful rendition that sets the stage for a host of strong performances.
“Since You’ve Gone” is a retitling of the 1957 country classic, “Gone”, written by Smokey Rogers and made famous by Ferlin Husky. On this track Bill duets with Keb’ Mo’, and the result is a quieter, subtler take compared with the dramatic original. This is truly one of the saddest songs about the regrets of losing a loved one (through regrettable behaviour) ever written, and this new version is a moving one, with a splendid orchestration.
“These Days” is a collaboration with the original writer and performer, Vince Gill. Their voices blend beautifully, with Vince’s high tenor strongly reminiscent of Bobby Hatfield, yet rewarding in its own right. Vince possesses one of the great country voices of all time, and it’s interesting to hear this heart-warming, positive affirmation of lasting new love.
The other ten tracks promise to be equally rewarding. The Hank Williams chestnut “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” pairs Medley with the great voice of Sean Colvin. Solo tracks featuring Medley alone include the George Jones classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, and the Everly Brothers pop hit from the early Sixties “Let It Be Me”. Also on the roster are Garth Brooks “The Dance”, Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”, and Kenny Rogers’ “Sweet Music Man”. Great material, all and sundry.
All in all, this is a worthy outing, with memorable arrangements and duets supporting the undeniable talent of Bill Medley, still going strong into his 85th year.
