Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am

I too, am in the family of prefering the older traditional country style and lyrics. Randy is the epitome of that style. He shines like a brand new penny on eveyone of these songs. As Linda said , "even does them better than the orginal artist". It's hard to choose a particular favorite or two, since every cut has its own special impact. But my favorites are "My Mary", Saginaw Michigan",' Always On A Mountan When I Fall", "What Have you Planned Tonight Diana" "Ever Changing Woman" and the surpising "Pennies From Heaven.The fact that Randy choose to use his own traveling band in the studio on this makes the album even that much more enjoyable. He has a superb group of talented musicians. I have always wanted Randy to do an album like this of older material. With his own band members on the strumentals. I'm happy as a lark that he finally has. This is an album that I will play repeatedly. The song selection and Randy's understated delivery on them makes every song felt in your very soul. Not an album you are going to put aside easily.

This is an excellent album--for youngsters, this is a CD. Randy is in great form and I enjoyed every cut on the album. The only thing I would suggest is that the names of the songwriters and their song titles be more readily accessible. Al the songs are familiar, but the names of many of the songwriters are not so .familiar. To see this information, the listener has to remove the insert in the front cover of the jewel case and open the insert. Perhaps songwriter names could have been added to the playlist, which is usually on the back of the insert and visible when the jewel case is opened. I can't wait for Randy to put out Volume 2, which is implied by calling this album Vol. 1, after he recovers from his illness.

If you're a fan of Randy Travis and if you're a fan of Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, George Jones. Or any of the truly country artists of a while back, you can't help but love the songs on this CD that Randy has chosen to record honoring a few of his all-time heroes.Being a fan of the old country genre and the artists mentioned above, of course a few of my favorites on the release are Tracks 3. What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana, 6. Thanks A Lot, 7. Trouble In Mind, 9. Saginaw Michigan and 12. Why Baby Why. If you truly love the older country music, this release is definitely for you. No man can re-do songs like Randy Travis and in my opinion, even better than the originals.

Randy has health issues which, as we all know, are ridiculously expensive,. When Willie ran into money issues, we all ran to buy "TapesFrom The IRS" to help him out, and we did just that. Now Randy needs our help, and we need to run and buy these two recordings (Vol. 2 is also released). No one today has a voice as "old school" as Randy, so us Traditional Country lovers need to step up. This recording (and the follow-up, Vol. 2) delivers more than one perfect rendition of 13 country classics worth hearing by anybody, but BEST heard when sung by Randy Travis and his rare and timeless voice. Get well soon!

This is what a country album is suppose to sound like.The songs are stripped down. with no fancy over producing. They are great covers of songs of his musical heroes. He really shines on all the tracks especially "What Have You Got Planed Tonight Dianna" The Merle Haggard classic. Randy's has made each song his own version. His voice is filled with raw emotion. There is one original song "Tonight I'm playing possum" a duet with Joe Nichols a tribute to the one and only George Jones.

Randy recorded this in Dec. 2012, just a while before he encountered serious health problems. He sounds great on these classic tunes which honor his influences, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens , etc. A must have for fans of country music with the traditional sound. One of his finest releases ever....a great voice doing great material. Unfortunately Randy's dad recently stated he didn't know if Randy would ever we well enough to perform again. A sad ending to a brilliant career.

What a collection of music. I will be enjoying many times in the future.

Like an old friend, it's good to have new music from Randy Travis. This album is pure entertainment. If you like classic country, you will love this one. Not a weak track on the entire album. Great musicians, Travis' voice sounds as good as ever and I keep putting this in the cd player. If you're a fan, you're in for a treat!

I would like to offer Randy Travis my heartfelt wishes and may your path to recovery be a straight and good one - You are one of the best country singers out there (along with Merle Haggard). I have every individual cd you released and before that on audio cassette. I first heard you when I was in the States and was bowled over by the power and depth of your voice, coupled with superb talent and a good cast of people around you.This cd is a great come back cd and hopefully, may many more follow too !There are some great tracks on this cd, of which others have iterated too.I can only say, wether you are a true country fan, or you if you just want to dip your toe into the water, you will not be disappointed by this brilliant cd !All the best Randy, may you continue to be in good health and good voice. Look after yourself, from one of your many truly loyal fans. Darren Lambert.

There aren't many true country singers around nowadays. Many are mostly country rock or country pop. Not so with Randy Travis, his music is always pure country. A superb voice, great music backing and always a song selection to delight one and all.This new album is again excellent in everyway.Get well Mr Travis .....country needs you.

I am a big fan of Randy,and up till now I have liked everything that he has recorded.However on this album there are a couple of tracks which are not up to his usual high standards.In spite of this I like the album, and I am glad that I added it to my collection.

I have always enjoyed him and his own style of music. It stands out from the rest.Another good Album.

Always loved Randy Travis we have got all his CDs but this one was disappointing his voice is great though.