Alabama Albums (27)
'Songs of Inspiration, Vol. 2'
Release Date 3/26/2007
Tracks 13
Label Sony/BMG
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Arriving just five months after the release of the initial Songs of Inspiration, the sequel to Alabama's modest first foray into inspirational music sounds as if it could have been culled together from outtakes from the original album sessions -- which isn't necessarily a criticism since the first Songs of Inspiration is a good, if sedate, inspirational collection. It's not just the sound of Songs of Inspiration, Vol. 2 that is similar to the first, it's that its construction is nearly identical, as it relies heavily on familiar gospel tunes performed in familiar ways. Even when it pushes the boundaries of what is "inspirational" it is with a familiar song, "Star Spangled Banner," which may not be inspirational, but it is patriotic, which is the next best thing for an album like this, which celebrates traditional values and sounds above all else. Like before, this can sometimes be a little sleepy -- comfortable and warm, but not necessarily exciting -- but fortunately Alabama switches pace just enough times to keep things flowing well. The opener, "I Am a Pilgrim," is loose and laid-back, but almost lively, with a rolling country-rock beat, and it's not the only time that this kind of down-home vibe surfaces. There's a crisp version of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and a spirited "Down by the Riverside," or best of all, a real earthy, almost funky, version of "The Refrain of John Dillon James." Moments like this arrive more often than they did on the first Songs of Inspiration, and they're interspersed well, giving this a bit more momentum, which helps make this a sequel that may be just a shade better than the original. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
By and large, 2006's Songs of Inspiration, Alabama's first foray into gospel music, is quiet and respectful, a record made with care and precision but certainly not without heart. The reverent tone may be reminiscent of Alan Jackson's spiritual album Precious Memories -- released eight months before Songs of Inspiration -- but where Jackson sought out unfamiliar traditional tunes, Alabama stick with the familiar, singing such standards as "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," "In the Garden," "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "Jesus Loves Me," and "Rock of Ages," even finding ways to work "Silent Night" and Red Foley's "Old Shep" into the mix. Their arrangements are straightforward, slow, and spare, emphasizing their still-strong harmonies, and they serve the songs well, even if they do wind up sounding a bit samey. Naturally, this means that when they pick up the tempo, those songs tend to boldly stand out, which the rip-roaring duet with bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley on "I Am the Man Thomas" and Randy Owen's surging original "Rain" -- the song here that comes closest to the patented Alabama sound -- certainly do. These songs are so strong that it's hard not to wish that there were just a couple more like them, since that would give Songs of Inspiration a variety that would be welcome, but even without them this is a fine record, one that's expertly executed yet also clearly heartfelt. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Christmas'
Release Date 4/1/2002
Tracks 10
Label BMG Special Products
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Two decades into their successful career, Alabama is comfortable as professionals. They know how to craft a record, even if that means relying on session musicians over the core band. They know how to select songs, knowing what songs will be ideal for radio. That means they're reliable, but it also means that they can slip into predictability, as they do on Twentieth Century. Immaculately constructed and utterly smooth, just like the white suits the quartet sports on the cover, Twentieth Century is the work of professionals: professional songwriters, professional producers (Don Cook and the band themselves), professional musicians. There's not a note out of place or a missed harmony. It's easy to marvel at the sheer technical achievement of the record, since not only is it so well made, but the songs rarely make an impression. All the tunes are so predictable and the production so carefully considered that the album flows together, with only a couple of cuts grabbing a listener's attention: the silly capsule history of "Twentieth Century"; Jeff Cook's horn-spiked, Van Morrisson tribute "Mist of Desire"; the nice rocker "Life's Too Short to Love This Fast"; and the ballad "God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You" complete with backing vocals from fellow RCA labelmates 'N Sync. Taken individually, these particular songs sound pretty good, and would work well on the radio, but taken in the context of the record, they're nearly indistinguishable from the rest. That's the problem with Twentieth Century: although it's pleasant, it never creates its own identity, even compared to latter-day Alabama records. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Alabama Christmas'
Release Date 4/7/1998
Tracks 10
Label BMG Special Products
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Highlighted by the perennial "Christmas in Dixie," Alabama Christmas is a collection of holiday tunes counting among one of Alabama's strongest records, seasonal or otherwise; although at times the material is overly sappy. There's no mistaking the group's affection for the project, and cuts like "Happy Holidays," "Tennessee Christmas," and "A Candle in the Window" are all fine additions to the contemporary country Yuletide canon. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'The Touch'
Release Date 9/30/1997
Tracks 10
Label BMG Special Products
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Although it isn't as strong as the group's previous records, The Touch has an appealing sound similar to their earlier records, and enough good moments -- particularly the title track -- to make it worthwhile listening for dedicated fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Alabama have always been an entertaining live band, but Live simply doesn't capture the excitement of their concerts. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
