Jon Randall's WALKING AMONG THE LIVING is probably one of the best albums I've listened to this year...and I'm writing this review in December, people. Randall's tenor is excellent, his songwriting formidable, and his guitar playing is exquisite. Truly, this is a gifted performer who has a crafted a unique and COUNTRY album.
WALKING AMONG THE LIVING is the perfect blend of bluegrass and contemporary country, with sawing fiddles fitting right in with rhythmic drums and electric guitars. The song choices are pure country--songs of Southern living, of heartbreak, of death, of rejuvination, or finding yourself. While "Whiskey Lullabye" is certainly a beautiful tune, it almost pales in comparison to other tracks available here. "Baby Won't You Come Home" is a delight to hear; "No Southern Comfort" got this Yankee wishing he'd been born south of the Mason-Dixon Line; "I Shouldn't Do This" is a classic cheatin' song; "Austin" is quirky, funny, and socially-relative; "Lonely For Awhile" is a truly haunting track about not being ready to get over someone; and "In the Country" will take you to the backwoods at midnight, with just you and the stars and the one you love. All of these songs are well-written and superbly performed; this is an album you don't want to miss. While there is some potential here for radio success, I doubt there will be any; doesn't mean this isn't a great album, though. In fact, in country music especially, there's an unwritten rule that the best artists don't get the airtime they deserve. Does Jon Randall qualify as one of those artists? Listen to WALKING AMONG THE LIVING, and decide for yourself.