Country Soul is the fifth studio album by American country music artist Johnny Paycheck. The album was released in May 1968, via Little Darlin' Records. It was produced by Aubrey Mayhew.[1]
The album consists of mostly cover songs from the mid-1960s with the exception of two songs co-written by Paycheck with "Apartment No. 9" and "Touch My Heart."
Background
The album was released during Paycheck's tenure with Little Darlin' Records, where he was working with producer Aubrey Mayhew. The album marked a departure from Paycheck's typical honky-tonk material, instead focusing on outlaw themes or barroom narratives, this record presents a more traditional and polished selection of mid-1960s country covers.[1]
Paycheck had already established a reputation as a talented songwriter and expressive singer, but he stepped into the role of interpreter. The album's liner notes emphasized his ability to bring unique soulfulness and vocal depth to well-known songs.[2]
Themes
The album focuses on popular country hits of the mid-1960s, some of which were considered overplayed even at the time. One track, "Danny Boy," stands out as an unconventional inclusion for a country record, while other songs were later "tainted" by more theatrical interpretations from artists like Tom Jones.[1]
Country Soul was received with mixed retrospective assessments, with praise going towards Paycheck's technical vocal ability and interpretive nuance, with criticism centered on poor song selection and lack of rebellious flair that had made Paycheck famous.[1]
Although Paycheck delivers vocally polished performances throughout, critics and fans have noted that his decision to "play it straight" removed much of the gritty authenticity that defined his later outlaw persona.[1]
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