Connie Smith (1998 album)

Last updated
Connie Smith
Connie Smith-1998 album.jpg
Studio album by
Connie Smith
ReleasedOctober 6, 1998
Studio
Genre
Length34:21
Label Warner Bros.
Producer
Connie Smith chronology
Clinging to a Saving Hand
(1995)		Connie Smith
(1998)		 Love Never Fails
(2003)

Connie Smith is thirty-fourth solo studio album by American country singer Connie Smith. It was released on October 6, 1998, via Warner Bros. Records and contained ten tracks. Nine of the songs were penned by Smith herself, along with artist and performer, Marty Stuart. It was Stuart who also produced the album. The eponymous collection was Smith's first mainstream studio album of new material in 20 years. Smith had returned to recording after raising her children while in semi-retirement. The album received a positive response from critics. No singles were released from the album and instead received promotion elsewhere.

Contents

Background

Connie Smith had not recorded a studio album of new material since 1978's New Horizons . [2] She had gone into semi-retirement following the ending of her Monument Records contract to raise her three daughters. "I couldn't quit my kids; I couldn't quit my faith, so the only thing I could quit was my country music career," she told biographer Barry Mazor. [3] When Smith's last child left home, she was ready to return to her career completely, which included making a new album. [2] Smith met with Warner/Reprise president, Jim Ed Norman to discuss recording for them. She did several sessions, but none of the material satisfied her. [4] It was then suggested that she work with artist and producer, Marty Stuart. Together, the pair would write songs and record the album, ultimately turning into a romantic relationship between the pair; they later married in 1997. [5]

Recording and content

Smith's eponymous album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. The sessions were held at the Hounds Ear studio and the Sound Emporium Studios — both located in Nashville, Tennessee. Stuart served as the album's producer, with assistance from Justin Niebank. [6] Allmusic album reviewer, Thom Jurek, described the album's sound as "tough traditional honky tonk music with an edge that makes it very attractive as a rock & roll record." [1]

A total of ten tracks comprised the collection. Nine out of the ten tracks on the album were co-written by Smith and Stuart. [2] [6] One track, "You Can't Back a Teardrop", was written by Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters. The opening track, "How Long", was composed by Stuart, Smith and Harlan Howard. [6] According to Smith, "How Long" was the first song written for the album. [7] Jurek compared the opening of "You Can't Back a Teardrop" to that of Ray Price's "Crazy Arms," though he went on to say the rest of the song was different from "Crazy Arms" because, "it's on the far honky tonk edge, with Stuart leading the band in a driving, rollicking shuffle where fiddles drive a pedal steel ever toward the center of the pathos in the center of the bridge." [1]

Smith herself compared the album's ninth track, "When It Comes to You" to that of a rock and roll song, stating that she, "yodeled on the end just to be funny, and they kept it in." [8] The ninth track also featured Stuart playing mandolin. The second track, "Lonesome" was also written by Smith and Stuart and was said to resemble, "a bluegrass ghost song about love in the ether," according to Jurek. [1] The closing song on the album, "A Tale from Taharrie" is departure from any of the other tracks on the album, as it resembles a Celtic song, according to Smith, stating, "We wanted to write a song that sounded like the 1700s. It came out sounding Irish. I made up the name "Taharrie" because it fit the sound." [8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]

Connie Smith mainly received positive reviews upon its release. Thom Jurek of Allmusic gave the album four out five stars, giving the album's quality much praise, saying, "In all, this is not only a solid effort; it stands head and shoulders over most of the stuff that's come out of Nash Vegas in over a decade. Even if it doesn't sell a copy, it's a triumphant return for Smith. She hasn't lost a whit of her gift as a singer or as a writer." Jurek went on to give it praise, saying, "Connie Smith is a bona fide country and gospel music legend; she is quite literally the only person who deserves to share a reputation with Patsy Cline -- Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn notwithstanding." [1] It was also briefly reviewed the book, Country Music: The Rough Guide, which called the effort, "a solid fiddle-and-guitar country that's far gutsier than anything in the Garth-and-Reba mainstream. [5]

Release

The eponymous collection was originally released on October 6, 1998, on Warner Bros. Records. It became the thirty-fifth studio album released in Smith's career and her first with the Warner label. The album was originally distributed as both a compact disc and as a cassette. [6] It was reissued to digital and streaming markets in 2010 via Warner Bros. [10] [11] According to Smith, she was told by country radio that they would not play any songs off the record. [7] Instead, Warner Bros. decided not release any singles off the album to radio. "I don't know if it does her justice to compete in the mainstream," said Warner Bros. senior vice president Bob Saporiti. He added that the album would instead be promoted at National Public Radio and other non-conventional outlets. [2]

Track listing

All tracks written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart, except where noted.

Connie Smith (CD and digital) [6] [10] [11]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."How Long"
3:07
2."Lonesome" 3:21
3."Hearts Like Ours" 3:37
4."You Can't Take Back A Teardrop"
2:47
5."Looking for a Reason"
  • Smith
  • Chris Wright
4:05
6."Love's Not Everything" 3:01
7."Just Let Me Know" 3:01
8."Your Light"
3:11
9."When It Comes to You" 2:50
10."A Tale From Tahrarrie" 5:21

Personnel

All credits are adapted from the liner notes of Connie Smith [6] and AllMusic. [12]

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
North AmericaOctober 6, 1998
  • Cassette
  • compact disc
Warner Bros. Records [6]
February 16, 2010
  • Music download
  • streaming
 [10] [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marty Stuart</span> American musician (born 1958)

John Marty Stuart is an American country and bluegrass music singer, songwriter, and musician. Active since 1968, Stuart initially toured with Lester Flatt, and then in Johnny Cash's road band before beginning work as a solo artist in the early 1980s. He is known for his combination of rockabilly, country rock, and bluegrass music influences, his frequent collaborations and cover songs, and his distinctive stage dress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connie Smith</span> American country music artist (born 1941)

Connie Smith is an American country music singer and songwriter. Her contralto vocals have been described by music writers as significant and influential to the women of country music. A similarity has been noted between her vocal style and the stylings of country vocalist Patsy Cline. Other performers have cited Smith as influence on their own singing styles, which has been reflected in quotes and interviews over the years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathy Mattea</span> American musician, activist (born 1959)

Kathleen Alice Mattea is an American country music and bluegrass singer. Active since 1984 as a recording artist, she has charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including four that reached No. 1: "Goin' Gone", "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses", "Come from the Heart", and "Burnin' Old Memories", plus 12 more that charted within the top ten. She has released 14 studio albums, two Christmas albums, and one greatest hits album. Most of her material was recorded for Universal Music Group Nashville's Mercury Records Nashville 8division between 1984 and 2000, with later albums being issued on Narada Productions, her own Captain Potato label, and Sugar Hill Records. Among her albums, she has received five gold certifications and one platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She has collaborated with Dolly Parton, Michael McDonald, Tim O'Brien, and her husband, Jon Vezner. Mattea is also a two-time Grammy Award winner: in 1990 for "Where've You Been", and in 1993 for her Christmas album Good News. Her style is defined by traditional country, bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music influences.

<i>Reba: Duets</i> 2007 studio album by Reba McEntire

Reba: Duets is the twenty-sixth studio album by American country music singer Reba McEntire. It was released on September 18, 2007, by MCA Nashville and was produced by Tony Brown, Dann Huff, McEntire, and Justin Timberlake.

<i>The Song Remembers When</i> 1993 studio album by Trisha Yearwood

The Song Remembers When is the third studio album by American country music artist Trisha Yearwood. The album was released October 26, 1993, on MCA Nashville Records and was produced by Garth Fundis. It was Yearwood's third collaboration with Fundis, who also produced her 1992 album, Hearts in Armor which received wide critical acclaim, as well as her platinum-selling eponymous debut. The title track was the album's lead single, becoming a major hit, peaking at #2 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1993.

<i>Connie Smith</i> (1965 album) 1965 studio album by Connie Smith

Connie Smith is the debut studio album by American country music artist Connie Smith. It was released in March 1965 by RCA Victor and was produced by Bob Ferguson. The album included Smith's debut single, "Once a Day". The song became her signature recording and biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard country songs chart.

<i>Soul of Country Music</i> 1967 studio album by Connie Smith

Soul of Country Music is the ninth studio album by American country singer Connie Smith. It was released in December 1967 by RCA Victor and contained 12 tracks. The album included mostly covers of previously-recorded songs. It received mixed reviews from critics following its release and reached the top ten of the American country albums chart.

<i>Sunshine and Rain</i> 1968 studio album by Connie Smith

Sunshine and Rain is the eleventh studio album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in October 1968 by RCA Victor. Sunshine and Rain featured an assortment of both new material and covers of songs by other country artists. The album reached the top 40 of the American country albums chart and received a favorable review from Billboard magazine following its release.

<i>Connies Country</i> 1969 studio album by Connie Smith

Connie's Country is the twelfth studio album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in April 1969 by RCA Victor. The pop-inspired project included a mixture of original and cover songs. The album 'Connie's Country' was a hit, with a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's 'Ribbon of Darkness' reaching the top 20 on the American country songs chart. The album itself was also successful, placing in the top 20 on the American country albums chart. Critics praised the album for its quality and song selection.

<i>Come Along and Walk with Me</i> 1971 studio album by Connie Smith

Come Along and Walk with Me is seventeenth solo studio album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in October 1971 by RCA Victor. The album was Smith’s third collection of gospel songs. The disc included original songs and covers of songs first cut by other artists. Among the song included on the project were three by gospel performer Dottie Rambo. Following its release, Billboard gave the album a positive review.

<i>Aint We Havin Us a Good Time</i> 1972 studio album by Connie Smith

Ain't We Havin' Us a Good Time is the eighteenth solo studio album by American country singer Connie Smith, released in April 1972 by RCA Victor. The album contained ten tracks which were considered to have a "thicker seventies" sound, according to one biographer. Included on the album was Smith's single, "Just for What I Am". It became a top five single on the North American country songs chart while the album itself reached the American country LP's top 25. Ain't We Havin' Us a Good Time received a favorable review from Billboard magazine following its release.

<i>A Lady Named Smith</i> 1973 studio album by Connie Smith

A Lady Named Smith is the twentieth solo studio album by American country singer Connie Smith. It was released in May 1973 by Columbia Records, her first album for the label. The production and style featured a string instrumentation to help market Smith in the pop field. Included were a mix of new material and covers of previously-recorded songs by other artists. The album's only single was the original tune, "You've Got Me ", which reached the American country songs chart in 1973. A Lady Named Smith would also chart on the American country albums chart in 1973.

<i>Pure Connie Smith</i> 1977 studio album by Connie Smith

Pure Connie Smith is the twenty-ninth solo studio album by American country singer Connie Smith. It was released in November 1977 via Monument Records and contained ten tracks. The album was Smith's first with the Monument label. The album was recorded in a country pop production style featuring mostly new recordings. One single was released from the album, "Coming Around". The song charted the American country songs chart in 1977.

<i>The Essential Connie Smith</i> 1996 compilation album by Connie Smith

The Essential Connie Smith is a compilation album by the American country artist Connie Smith. It was released in April 1996 by RCA Records and was produced by Bob Ferguson and Ethel Gabriel. The album is a collection of Smith's major hits between 1964 and 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connie Smith albums discography</span>

The albums discography of Connie Smith, an American country artist, consists of 40 studio albums, one live album, 14 compilation albums, three box sets, and 26 other appearances. After the success of her 1964 single "Once a Day", Smith's self-titled debut album was released in March 1965 on RCA Victor Records. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums, spending thirty weeks on the chart, while also becoming her only album to reach the Billboard 200 list (#105). Smith's next two secular albums, Cute 'n' Country and Miss Smith Goes to Nashville went to number one and number two respectively between 1965 and 1966. In September 1966 Smith released her fifth studio album, Born to Sing, which was her third album to reach the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart. Due to Smith's popularity, RCA Victor issued five albums between 1967 and 1968 including Downtown Country (1967), Connie Smith Sings Bill Anderson (1967), and I Love Charley Brown (1968). In 1969, Smith collaborated with country artist Nat Stuckey on the album Young Love.

<i>Written in Song</i> 2017 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Written In Song is the sixteenth studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released on January 13, 2017 on Cheyenne Records and was produced by Seely. It is her first studio release in six years and the second to be issued on her own label. The album consisted of songs Seely composed for other artists. There are also several songs included that had not been released before.

<i>Fine Wine</i> (Bill Anderson album) 1998 studio album by Bill Anderson

Fine Wine is a studio album by American country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. It was released on August 25, 1998, via Warner Bros. Records. It was co-produced by Caryn and Steve Wariner. Fine Wine was Anderson's 36th studio album as a recording artist and his first major-label release since the 1980s. The project consisted of 11 tracks that received mixed reception from music journalists and writers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cryin' Game</span> 1998 single by Sara Evans

"Cryin' Game" is a song written by Jamie O'Hara. It was originally recorded by American country artist Sara Evans and released as the lead single off her second studio album, No Place That Far. The song became a minor hit on the Billboard country chart in 1998. "Cryin' Game" received positive reviews from critics and writers alike.

<i>Happiness</i> (Margo Smith album) 1977 studio album by Margo Smith

Happiness is a studio album by American country music artist Margo Smith. It was released in April 1977 via Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Norro Wilson. The album contained ten tracks that mixed country and pop arrangements, according to one critic. Four singles were released off the record, including the major hits "Take My Breath Away" and "Love's Explosion." The album itself also reached charting positions following its release.

<i>The Cry of the Heart</i> 2021 studio album by Connie Smith

The Cry of the Heart is the thirty-sixth solo studio album by American country music singer Connie Smith. It was released on August 20, 2021, via Fat Possum Records. It is Smith's third album to be produced by her husband, Marty Stuart. The album is also Smith's first studio album in a decade. It comprises a total of 11 tracks, three of which were penned by Smith and Stuart. the album features recordings penned by Merle Haggard, Melba Montgomery and Carl Jackson. Three tracks are covers of songs previously released as singles by country artists. The album received positive reception from critics and journalists following its release.

References

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jurek, Thom. "'Connie Smith' [1998] Review". allmusic . Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Bessman, Jim (September 5, 1998). "Warner's Connie Smith Returns to Recording After 20 Years". Billboard . p. 72. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  3. ↑ Mazor 2021, p. 24.
  4. ↑ Evans Price, Deborah (September 19, 1998). "Veteran Artists Find New Label Homes". Billboard . p. 62. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  5. 1 2 Wolff, Kurt. "Ch. 8 - It's Such a Pretty World Today: The Nashville Sound Arrives". In Orla Duane (ed.). Country Music: The Rough Guide. London: Rough Guides Ltd.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Smith, Connie (October 6, 1998). "Connie Smith (CD/Cassette Liner Notes and Album Information)". Warner Bros. Records . 9-47033-2.
  7. 1 2 "Connie Smith – Too Cool to Be Forgotten". No Depression . September 1, 1998. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  8. 1 2 Bernstein, Joel (October 1998). "The resurrection of Connie Smith". Country Standard Time . Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  9. ↑ Allmusic review
  10. 1 2 3 "Connie Smith: Connie Smith: Digital release". AllMusic . Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  11. 1 2 3 "Connie Smith by Connie Smith". Apple Music . Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  12. ↑ "Connie Smith: Connie Smith: Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved 5 July 2022.

Books

  • Mazor, Barry (November 5, 2021). The Latest Shade of Blue: The Columbia Recordings 1973 – 1976 (Box Set Biography). Bear Family Records. BCD-17609.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.