Keith Whitley Albums (7)
'Don't Close Your Eyes'
Release Date 2/1/2008
Tracks 12
Label Sony/BMG
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What The Critics Say
Don't You Close Your Eyes was more successful than Keith Whitley's two previous albums and it's easy to see why. Though the record still suffered from a handful of mediocre songs and a slightly soft production, the overall album was leaner and more direct than Whitley's earlier solo work, showcasing his talent for heartfelt honky tonk singing and his skill for crafting excellent barroom ballads. "Don't Close Your Eyes," "When You Say Nothing At All," and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" were the hits, but there's a wealth of excellent material here, including a haunting version of Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors." The sheer strength of the best numbers make the handful of weaker songs perfectly excusable. After all, country in the late '80s rarely got better than Don't You Close Your Eyes at its best. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'L.A. to Miami'
Release Date 8/1/2003
Tracks 10
Label BMG Special Products
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What The Critics Say
L.A. to Miami was Keith Whitley's breakthrough album. While it contains several chart-topping hits, including "Homecoming '63," "Hard Livin'," "Love at Ten Feet Away," and "Miami, My Amy," the album suffers as a whole from a lack of tempo change. The consistent laid-back approach becomes a bit too mellow, tending to drag the album down. Even though there was a lack of honky tonk material on the album, Whitley would adjust that on his follow-up release, Don't Close Your Eyes. By the way, the album also includes "On the Other Hand," which became Randy Travis' first minor hit, also released in 1985. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The origins of Keith Whitley's "new traditionalist" roots are readily evident on Sad Songs and Waltzes, a collection of some of classic country's most prolific songwriters' grittiest contributions. Available for the first time on CD, this album pulls together tracks from Whitley's 1982 LP Somewhere Between and adds five previously unreleased songs, each filled with twang and heartache. Tastefully remixed by J.D. Crowe, the 15-song CD features Alison Krauss, Carl Jackson, and Diamond Rio's Gene Johnson and really captures the essence of Keith Whitley not only as a performer, but also as a true fan of country music. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide
'Wherever You Are Tonight'
Release Date 10/24/1995
Tracks 10
Label BNA
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What The Critics Say
Kentucky Bluebird is a posthumous album of unreleased Keith Whitley material that was issued a year after his 1989 death. This is a documentary of sorts, including Whitley's early appearance on The Buddy Starcher Show, a duet recorded with Earl Thomas Conley called "Brotherly Love," and live versions of favorites like "I Never Go Around Mirrors" and the title track. Especially interesting for dedicated fans are the interview segments included throughout. This is definitely not a first-purchase disc, but a recommended curio. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though Keith Whitley displayed his immense talents on his previous albums, it was only in small measures. It wasn't until I Wonder Do You Think of Me, his fourth and final album, that he truly came into his own. The difference between this album and its predecessors is focus. The essential style remains the same, but Whitley has decided to concentrate only on a heart-tugging, gritty honky tonk and to give the record an appropriately straightforward, simple production. The direct approach gives more weight to the sad tales of lost love and drinking and when Whitely died shortly before the record's release, these songs gained even more gravity. Still, I Wonder Do You Think of Me stands as an excellent testament -- songs like "It Ain't Nothin'," "I'm Over You" and the title track only begin to suggest the depth and appeal of this album. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1984, Hard Act to Follow was Keith Whitley's first record for RCA. While the material doesn't match up with the tremendous success he would achieve on his next three albums for the label, you can hear Whitley making the transition from bluegrass-based material into mellow country-pop with a bit of honky tonk. Among the highlights include "Turn Me to Love," "A Hard Act to Follow," "If A Broken Heart Could Kill," and "If You Think I'm Crazy Now (You Should Have Seen Me When I Was a Kid)." ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
