NEVER GOING BACK

That's the title of the new Collin Raye CD.

This man never ceases to amaze me. I have to cover my you-know-what by admitting I'll be the first to say Collin Raye isn't country - at least not the basic country I want to promote here. So you might ask why I'm showcasing him this week. I have enjoyed his music since the early days of his career and am honored to have the opportunity to review his new CD. It has been almost four years since Collin released an album and in my estimation, too long. Welcome back, Collin!

NEVER GOING BACK has Collin's mark on every note. Even the remakes of WITHOUT YOU and STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU are reminiscent of the sounds of his earlier CDs. SHE'S ALL THAT (from his TRACKS CD) would be just as much at home on this album as it's original release.

I have to admit when I first heard him perform his first single from the CD - MIDLIFE CHRYSLER -(performed on Huckabee's show), I was petrified of doing this review. I've always loved Collin's music and frankly, his live performance didn't make me anxious to purchase the CD. I've seen him in concert many times but this performance wasn't the style I remember. I was trying to figure out how I was going to say something positive about a CD from a man who's career I've never been able to give anything but praise. It was like he was screaming or trying too hard. But being the Collin Raye fan I've always been, I had to buy the CD and give it an honest listen. I was AMAZED at the difference between the TV performance and the recorded version.

I can't give this album a Cowboy Hat rating because it isn't country. But if you like a good ballad or were ever a Collin Raye fan, you want this album! If you buy it at Walmart, you get two bonus tracks - HELPING HANDS and FAITHFULLY.

If you want to find out where to catch Collin on tour or read about HALEY'S HELPERS - an organization founded for children with an undiagnosed disease like his 8-year-old granddaughter - check out his website... www.collinraye.com