The album kicks off with one of the top ten hits, “Who Needs You Baby”, which just missed number one in the latter part of 1995. Good, solid melody that sticks with you and good for some occasional spins.
One of the album’s best tracks and a Hidden Gem contender is “I Won’t Have The Heart”. A great track that should have been a single, in my opinion. One of the album’s high points, featuring strong lyrics and a great melody. How this got overlooked???
Great fiddle intro for “Let Me Take The Heartache (Off Your Hands)”, a pure country ballad. This is the kind of song you point to when someone complains about 1990′s Country; yes, there was good, strong Country music in that decade, and not all of it made it to the radio.
One that did make it to radio and very nearly number one, is the album’s title track. I’d argue that “Hypnotize The Moon” was one of the decade’s best ballads. Simply an outstanding piece.
“Hand Me Down Heart” is an okay song; good beat, but admittedly, I’m rather neutral on this one.
“Only On Days That End In ‘Y” was the album’s third top ten hit, peaking at five during the Summer of 1996. Maybe a step below the album’s other two top ten hits, strength-wise, but still a good track that’s fun and easy to like.
Another Hidden Gem contender is the ballad “Where Were You”, Simply put, nothing to not like about this track. Strong, solid material.
“Loving You Comes Naturally To Me” is okay, but really didn’t hold my attention. Seemed to drag, some.
The album’s fourth single was the only one to miss the top ten. ”Bury The Shovel” peaked at eighteen during the Fall of 1996. A slow, Spanish-style start morphs into a quick paced piece. Average lyrics, but I’ve always liked the melody, particularly the refrain, which I would consider to be rather catchy.
“A Cowboy’s Toughest Ride” has a melody and feel that is slightly reminiscent of the Boy Howdy hit “A Cowboy’s Born With A Broken Heart”. I like this one. Fine effort, on this ballad.
The album wraps with yet another ballad, “Love Me Like You Love Me”. Good track to end the album. I don’t like it quite as much as some of the other ballads, here, but it’s not bad.
Originally released on compact disc and cassette, this album remains available on compact disc, as well as MP3 download. As for used copies, they are generally inexpensive. I found several in the $5 range.
I have to give the title track my Standout Track. ”I Won’t Have The Heart” gets my Hidden Gem nod. ”Loving You Comes Naturally To Me” just didn’t do it for me, I consider it the Weakest Track.
Overall, a solid effort, on this disc. The music is strongly Country and Clay’s vocal work is exceptional. The material is generally very good with a couple of outstandings mixed in. I have to give it a 4 out of 5.
Your thoughts?
Saving vinyl, one record at a time.
Clay Walker "Hypnotize The Moon" Classic Album Review
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