Russell Smith - The End Is Not in Sight

The Greatest Singer You're Not Listening Too

Why, in the name of all that's holy, isn't Russell Smith a contemporary country superstar and household name? He's been around for years, both as a solo act and as the voice of The Amazing Rhythm Aces. The Aces have had their moments, and ever so often Smith releases a solo album. But everytime, the mass audience greets his work with a yawn. "The End is Not is Sight" is Russell Smith's latest work and it's beautiful. This collection of mostly new material (with a few nods to the Aces with the title track and "Third Rate Romance") showcases Smith's soulful lyrics and distinctive voice. Smith's style is a dose hill-billy boogie, a dash of blue-eyed soul, a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, all stirred up in a toe-tapping stew that's mmmmmm-mmmmmm good. Whether it's the rocking rhythms of "Jesse" and "We're Gettin' Out of Here," or the sad-sweet ballads like "Walk These Hills" and "Look Heart, No Hands," Smith nails every track. Russell Smith is the greatest singer you're not listening to right now, and you should. And so should everyone who enjoys great lyrics, great music and inimitable vocals. January 24, 2003

Blue-Eyed Soul

Russell Smith keeps putting out great records. His latest is addictive! "Old School" opens with a sweet soulful midtempo track about a high school reunion. Russell croons with satisfaction on the acoustic "The King Is In His Castle," "He ain't got diamonds, she ain't got pearls, But God's in his heaven & all's right with their world." "The Road" wails with some tasty electric guitar. "Walk These Hills" & "Look Heart, No Hands" are ballads with pretty melodies. "We're Gettin' Outta Here" is a peppy midtempo rocker, "We'll never get outta this world alive; So we might as well have us some fun!" "What I Learned from Loving You" is a tear-in-your-beer country weeper. "Heartbeat in the Darkness" is one of my favorite tracks, a real upbeat toe tapper. "Third Rate Romance" brought to mind the version I love by Rosanne Cash as piano keys pound on this trailer park love song. "Jesse" is great outlaw rock. Russell saves the very best for last with the title track with its pulsing bass line, "Like a bird without a nest, like the stranger in the night & my soul cries out for rest & the end is not in sight." This CD is one to seek out because the songs are consistently strong. Smith varies the tempo, goes from soul to blues to country, all unified by that expressive voice. U Snooze U Lose! Wow! November 2, 2002

An astounding album!

The luminary musicians that have been assembled to help with the production of this album are testimony to what a talent Russell Smith is. The resulting album doesn't disappoint, with a range of songs lovingly fleshed out by (mostly) sparse productions that allows the vocals of Smith to shine through. The voice is a little deeper than it was back then, but the songwriting is, if anything, better. There are some awesomely good songs here, with satisfying twists to old themes. "Old School" is a good take on cheating songs, and "The Road" reworks views about...well, the road! My favourites are "Don't go to strangers" and especially "What I learned from loving you", which as with so many of Smith's songs resonates with experiences that I can empathise with.I also enjoyed the version of "The end is not in sight", and it bears comparison with a versions that he's recorded elsewhere. A look at the musician name checks suggests that everybody down at Muscle Shoals wanted a piece of this action, including Spooner Oldham and James Hooker.Put starkly, this is an album that whatever your musical tastes you ought to think about listening to, it's that good. Oh, and by the way, there's no mention anywhere in the packaging of the Amazing Rhythm Aces! October 26, 2002

Can't Describe It

Oh my word! This guy is just remarkable and this CD is a masterpiece. If you even remotely liked the Aces just order it now. The first five songs (all I've heard so far) are incredible. Got to see him live about a year ago and it seemed like he still had it even though the musicianship of the Aces had gotten a little thin. No such trouble here - a studio full of great players and the best singer/songwriter in the business. July 9, 2002

Best country soul album in years

This a masterpiece of country soul...if you like Dan Penn and Music from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, you will love this..***** June 18, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...