Like Red On A Rose

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
The idea of twang king Alan Jackson pairing up with Alison Krauss for an album of love songs might seem heretical to some, especially if they heard only the first cut, the adult-contemporary ballad "Anywhere on Earth You Are." But producer Krauss, whom Jackson approached to make a traditional bluegrass record, always knew there was a sensuous heart beating beneath Jackson's aw-shucks demeanour, one that would fit perfectly with the intimate repertoire, genre-bending musical framework and virtuoso players she'd always chosen for herself. (Robert Lee Castleman, one of Krauss's favorite writers, weighs in with four tunes, and Ron Block, Jerry Douglas, and Dan Tyminski, Krauss's Union Station cohorts, anchor the band.) If there's a downside to this brilliant, if unlikely pairing, it's that Krauss's sombre program could benefit from something a tad more libidinous or uptempo. But what is here is so beautifully chosen and performed (with spare, affecting harmony vocals by Lee Ann Womack, Cheryl White, Sidney and Suzanne Cox and Krauss herself) that it's hard to quibble. Throughout, and especially on the ballad "Wait a Minute" and his own dusted-off "A Woman's Love" (1998), Jackson, who explores his rich, lower register more frequently than in the past, comes across like Don Williams in his prime. He's a middle-aged man taking stock of what and who matters most to him in life and speaking his heart without artifice. In the title track, a song so bone-marrow deep it might bring you to your knees, Jackson declares, "I love you like all little children love pennies." That line that may sound odd and superficial by itself, but in Jackson's nuanced reading, it takes on a nearly spiritual yearning. This album, like the gospel Precious Memories before it, proves that while Jackson--the most nominated performer in CMA history--may be nearing 50, he's not ready to quit challenging himself as an artist.--Alanna Nash

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Customer reviews

review by: Critical Kev date: 2008-08-09 rating:
Like fine wine in front of a cosy fire
Most Alan Jackson albums could be categorised as Friday afternoon beer offerings. They don't tend to be particularly subtle (though that is often quite a refreshing thing) and they're best consumed with a side order of fries. What's different here is that what is on offer is much more of a late night red wine smooth affair. Put it on before bedtime and it may soothe you but it's a lot less hick than Jackson's usual fare.

'Like Red on a Rose' requires a different listening mood to other Jackson albums and it is a welcome temporary change of direction. That said I'll be as happy as anyone else to listen to another album of songs about broken trucks, Friday afternoon beer or biscuits and gravy. Honest.

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review by: sweet fa date: 2008-07-27 rating:
Time for a reassessment
I heard and read so many poor, disappointed reviews of this album that I passed on buying it, although I have got nearly all of Alan Jackson's earlier material. Finally plucked up the courage to buy it, albeit at a reduced price and what a surprise - yes, it is different from his earlier stuff (and God bless him for trying something new!), yes it does maintain a less varied pace than most of his albums (though it is all beautifully produced by Alison Krauss and anyway, that is the point - it is a reflective album), yes he does overdose a bit on Robert Lee Castleman songs just as Alison Krauss has done, BUT, when he picks a good one, this album is outstanding and as good as anything he has done before. Personal favourites are "Wait a minute", one of the underrated Herb Pedersen's best songs, "The Firefly's Song" (yes I know it is by Robert Lee Castleman, but it is great love song and one I would love to have written to my wife) and "Anywhere on Earth you are" and the title track (another RLC song).
This is as romantic a collection songs as you are ever likely to find, just a tad on the downbeat side but perfect for reflection on that up and down, but longstanding, relationship and as well produced a set of songs as you could wish for.
All in all a brilliant collaboration - how does Alison Krauss do it?
Highly recommended

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review by: date: 2006-12-06 rating:
Album of the Year
When I first listened to Alan Jackson's Like Red on A Rose , I thought this needs a few plays to get into. For the next week I played it over and over in the car while going to work. I was right this album is such a find work. The genius of Alison Krauss's light touch on each track and the fine backing of Union Station with Jerry Douglas, turns this into a classic CD, not just for Country Music fans but for everyone.

To the people who did not like this CD first time, play it again and again. You are really missing out if you do not.

Certainly my Album of the year.

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review by: date: 2006-11-16 rating:
Don't be put off by these indifferent reviews
I like this album better than anything else I've heard by Alan Jackson and I'm amazed at some of the negative review comments I've read.

It's not always helpful to put labels on things but how can this be "not country"?? Does it matter?? If there's a rule book that says you're not allowed to go C#7 - Cmaj7 - B (Nobody Said That It Would Be Easy) in a country song then I'm not aware of it. Has anyone asked Ronnie Block whether he thinks this is a country album, or Sam Bush?

I'm submitting this review for the sole reason that a lot of people may otherwise be in danger of missing out on a bunch of first rate songs, superbly arranged, sung, played and produced.

Two plays may not be enough for you, so try eight. My experience is that it's the "growers" that have the greatest lasting value.



review by: date: 2006-11-03 rating:
Like dreary on a CD
This was utterly disappointing. I bought this on-spec, hadn't heard any of the songs on it, but I've never been disappointed by any of Jackson's earlier albums. Until now.

I gave it a fair hearing, played it through a second time, but it's uninspiring and boring. It's trying to be blues and failing.

And the worst part? "A Woman's Love". This is nothing more than a wannabe blues re-hash of what was once an excellent song from Jackson's 1998 album "High Mileage".

Still, this is the only bad album from Jackson, one low point in an otherwise excellent career. Let's hope for the next album he gets back to what he's good at - honky-tonk and good honest country music.

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