JOIN USThe queen of country music, Loretta Lynn, has come out with a new album, Full Circle, at the age of 83, a good 12 years after her last album.
Lynn is a multiple gold album American country music singer-songwriter, whose work spans almost 60 years. She has received numerous awards for her groundbreaking contribution to country music, including awards from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music as a duet partner and individual artiste.
Full Circle takes listeners on a journey through Loretta’s musical story, from the Appalachian folk songs and gospel music she learned as a child, to new interpretations of her classic hits and country standards, to newly-written songs.
The album opens with the sound of Lynn’s speaking voice, as she recalls “the first song I wrote”, before she and the musicians take over a new version of “Whispering Sea,” a lovelorn waltz. “Lay Me Down,” a duet with Willie Nelson and “Everything It Takes,” featuring guest vocals from Elvis Costello.
The tracks “Black Jack David” and “I Never Will Marry” are traditional appalachian songs from her childhood. Also included are soulful new renditions of some of Lynn’s classic tunes such as “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven”.
Some songs are re-worked oldies like “Always On My Mind” or Don Cherry’s mid-1950s hit “Band of Gold.” She also does a reprise of her own “Fist City.” She does an interesting version of Doris Day’s “Secret Love.” The album’s closing song “Lay Me Down”, a duet with Willie Nelson, has a touching affect. Full Circle will preserve her legacy for posterity.