The Oak Ridge Boys are one of the most legendary groups of country and gospel music. With a list of studio albums and #1 hits I dare not count, their decision to record their first live album was not only one that was long overdue but also one that surely required a lot of tending to the set list. These guys can’t even step on stage without missing out a couple thousand songs, and that’s a lot of pressure. So with a 14-track record, a lot could have gone wrong with one of the most fundamental aspects of a live album. Luckily, they did an awesome job.
Opening with 1977’s ‘You’re The One’ to an abundance of crowd support, from the beginning their harmonies were perfectly on point and lead-wise all were sounding great, particularly for their respective ages. From here they ranged through some of their biggest hits, old and new, touching upon ‘Y’all Come Back Saloon’, ‘Come On In’, Sail Away’, ‘Dream On’, ‘Trying To Love Two Women’, ‘(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free’ and the rousing ‘American Made’. Throughout they made no sign of getting tired, belting out the tracks like they were recorded yesterday and proving their value as a huge live band even now. What’s also particularly special about this album is just how catchy and singalong each selection is, each one a total classic, with even the ballads performed with gusto and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
It’s interesting listening to this in comparison to my usual assignments of new releases from modern acts because of the trip down memory lane it induces, nostalgia for a simpler time where country music was less about partying and more about honest love, relationship and heartbreak admissions and laments, such as the beautiful ‘Make My Life With You’ and the anthemic ‘Thank God For Kids’. There’s also nothing quite like the audience reaction when they end the show with hits ‘Elvira’ and ‘Bobbie Sue’, with everyone singing every word. As an album this is a great tribute to their fabulous career, and as well as being a memento for those who have seen the Oak Ridge Boys live, it’s also a lovely piece of history for fans in general, and a fun listen that shows their prowess and talent as performers and artists, and is quite simply a feel-good hour or so of great music, combining country, southern rock and gospel into one infectious combination.
Definitely something every Oak Ridge Boys fan should own.
