The World Famous Ultimate Twang: Marty Robbins "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable or in the CD player. Marty Robbins, one of the all-time greats, and one whose albums I always look forward to giving a spin. Today’s Classic Album Review was a bit of a departure for Marty, as he experimented with the easier sounds that were working so well for Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and the late Jim Reeves. By The Time I Get To Phoenix still had Country elements in it, but Pop and even Jazz were just as strong. Released by Columbia in May, 1968, the album did well for Marty, peaking at number eight, while yielding one top ten single.

The title cut is the opening track, a song made famous by Glen Campbell. Marty’s take is even more mellow than the Campbell version; almost too much so. Marty’s vocals, though, are fine.

Next, Marty gives us his take on the classic “Am I That Easy To Forget”. This may be his best vocal on the album. Simply outstanding.

The album’s overall highlight, though, may be Marty’s version of the Paul Mauriat hit, “Love Is Blue (L’Amour est bleu)”. What? Didn’t know there were vocals to this classic? There are, and can’t imagine anyone singing them better than Marty Robbins does. Yes, it’s a pure Easy Listening sound, but still, an outstanding piece of work.

“Virginia” does have just a touch of that south of the border sound that Marty used so successfully. Nice track.

While the album, as a whole, may get a little monotonous with it’s steady, slow, slick sound, throughout, one can’t find any fault with Marty’s singing, as can be heard, here, on “Until We Meet Again”. If Marty wanted to show that he could do the same style as Eddy Arnold or Ray Price, he did.

Side one ends with a lush production of the Beatles’ classic “Yesterday”. At one time, this was considered the most recorded song of all-time. Marty’s version is a nice, mellow piece.

The album’s only single kicks off side 2. “Love Is In The Air” isn’t quite as lush as much of the rest of the album, but still a smooth, mellow sound. It became a top ten hit for Marty during the Summer of 1968.

“As Time Goes By” is a classic piece, given the Robbins treatment. I like this version. Really nice and works perfect with Marty’s vocals.

“That Old Feeling” is another smooth, laid-back piece that fits like an old, comfortable shoe. The arrangement is more Dean Martin-ish, but works nearly flawless with Marty.

The sound stays nearly the same with “To Be In Love With Her”. By this point, one realizes how truly versatile a performer Marty Robbins was. I really like the full arrangement, here, great track.

The album wraps with “You Made Me Love You”, which like much of the album, is simply another fine piece. Again, sounding like a broken record, here, but a great performance by Marty Robbins.

Long out of print, this album did see life on vinyl, 8-track, and cassette. Used copies (vinyl) seem to be running in the $10 to $20 range.

“Love Is In The Air” was the album’s only single and thus, gets the “Standout Track” nod. ”Love Is Blue” is the easy Hidden Gem pick. I really don’t find a weak track, here.

Overall, the album as a whole, could get a little monotonous, but on the other hand, each individual track is a high quality piece of music, at worst, and at best, outstanding. Marty Robbins was an outstanding vocalist, just as versatile as anyone in the history of country music, and this album proves it. I rate it a 4 out of 5.

Your thoughts?

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