Lyle Lovett - Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett sprang up fully-formed in 1986, the bastard child of Randy Newman and Townes Van Zandt. His eponymous debut set the pace for future releases, balancing near-perfect ballads ("If I Were the Man You Wanted," "Closing Time") with wry, black humor romps ("God Will," "An Acceptable Level of Ecstasy"). His singing is also in place here, his voice a subtle expressive tool as dry as the West Texas plains. There are flashes of overproduction, as on the over-amped "You Can't Resist It" (which later found its home on stage in a spare cello arrangement), but overall things are pretty tasteful, like Lovett himself. Also check out Lovett's stunning sophomore effort, Pontiac. --Michael Ruby Amazon.com

Something for Everyone

I have only recently discovered Lyle Lovett, having ignored him for far too long, thinking I wouldn't like his country music. But I just saw him in person and was blown away by the beauty of his voice and the poignancy of his songs. More than a "country" singer, Lovett crosses a line that makes him far more versatile than that. The strong, strange features of his face stand in sharp contrast to his soft, lovely, sorrowful voice. This album, his debut, has several songs that touch me: "God Will" (funny, ironic, and sad at the same time), "Further Down the Line" (mournful song of a rodeo cowboy), " This Old Porch" (poignant), and the rousing "Cowboy Man." Every song tells an interesting story. Lovett's sweet sorrow reminds me of Hank Williams. He seems to have been hurt before and wants to express that. He does it well. May 14, 2008

Every song will become a favorite!

This one needs more than 5 stars. Every song is amazing. If you want to experience Lyle for the first time, or if you are a fan who somehow missed this one... GET IT NOW!! I love it... you will too! May 7, 2008

Only 9 Reviews?

How can this have so few reviews? Well, at least all nine got it right. This whole album's like a steaming, greasy plate of enchilada's, been nothing like it since Giant came to town. If you don't have it, get it, if you don't get it, you ain't got it. January 5, 2008

Off to a running start

The one and only color cover art . . .

I didn't realize that 'You Can't Resist It' was off his very first album. Amazing. July 9, 2007

always great to come back to

When I've been away from Lyle's early music for too long I feel compelled to return time and again.

This was his first album and along with Pontiac - are two of my favorites.
Not quite country, not quite western - no something more than both. Maybe you could call his style a jazzy-country. Whatever you want to call it - you'll find you love it.

Production value of both of these albums is excellent.

You'll love: God Will, If I Were the Man You Wanted, Closing Time and the fast paced Cowboy Man

If you are a new fan - treat yourself and buy this one and Pontiac - you won't be disappointed.

caslo February 12, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...