The Lovin' Side

by Travis Tritt

Overview

Travis Tritt is never more convincing than when he's belting out a good southern rock song, but this collection showcases a too-often-underrated aspect of his artistry. During the 1990-98 period showcased here, Tritt was writing and singing some of the decade's most powerful love ballads and heartbreakers, and employing strictly all-star caliber musicians to help seal the deal. The 16 tracks here include three chart-topping singles -- "Help Me Hold On," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," and "Anymore" -- and three other Top Ten entries, among them "More Than You'll Ever Know," a steady-rolling, acoustic-driven pledge of love that draws its power from the simmering passion in Tritt's voice. Unexpected treats include two cover songs: a credible reworking of the Platters classic "Only You" that appeared on the Sgt. Bilko soundtrack; and a sizzling, hot-blooded duet with Patti LaBelle on the Sam & Dave soul monument "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby," which has previously been available only on the 1994 concept album, Rhythm, Country and Blues. Whether it's tender sentiment or a roiling storm of emotion he's conveying (check out the anguished "Between an Old Memory and Me"), Tritt never sounds less than completely engaged in the moment. He's always dealt from the heart first, and that's why these songs will stand the test of time.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/05/2002
Label:	Rhino
UPC:	0081227829629
catalogNumber:	78296
Rank:	53745

Tracks

1. For You
2. When I Touch You
3. I'm All the Man
4. Only You (And You Alone)
5. More Than You'll Ever Know
6. If I Lost You
7. Someone for Me
8. Can I Trust You With My Heart
9. When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
10. Between an Old Memory and Me
11. Nothing Short of Dying
12. Help Me Hold On
13. Anymore
14. Did You Fall Far Enough
15. Drift Off to Dream
16. She's Going Home With Me

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Travis Tritt   Primary Artist,Hi String
Jerry Douglas   Dobro
Marty Stuart   Guitar,Mandolin
Edgar Meyer   Bass,Conductor
John Jorgenson   Solo Instrumental,Guitar
Matt Rollings   Piano,Hammond Organ
Dana McVicker   Background Vocals
Curtis Wright   Background Vocals
Kenny Aronoff   Percussion,Drums
Sam Bacco   Percussion,Conga,Cymbals,Marimbas,Tambourine,Timpani,Shaker,Crotale,Cabasa
Grace Bahng   Cello
Eddie Bayers   Percussion,Drums
Benmont Tench   Piano,Hammond Organ
Richard Bennett   Guitar
Mike Brignardello   Bass
Gregg Brown   Acoustic Guitar
Pat Buchanan   Guitar,Slide Guitar
Larry Byrom   Solo Instrumental,Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar,Slide Guitar
John Cowan   Background Vocals
Wendell Cox   Guitar
Terry Crisp   Steel Guitar,Guitar (Baritone)
David Davidson   Violin
Stuart Duncan   Fiddle
Paul Franklin   Steel Guitar
Mark Goldenberg   Acoustic Guitar
Jack Holder   Guitar
James "Hutch" Hutchinson   Bass
Bernie Leadon   Acoustic Guitar,Mandola,Mandocello
Chris Leuzinger   Acoustic Guitar,Dobro
Billy Livsey   Harmonium,Hammond Organ,fender rhodes,Wurlitzer
Mac McAnally   Acoustic Guitar
Brent Mason   Guitar
Steve Nathan   Keyboards
Mark O'Connor   Fiddle,Mandolin
Bobby Ogdin   Piano,Harpsichord
Hargus "Pig" Robbins   Piano
Jimmy Joe Ruggiere   Harmonica
Chris Teal   Violin
Tanya Tucker   Vocal Harmony
Steve Turner   Percussion,Drums
Robby Turner   Dobro,Steel Guitar
Billy Joe Walker   Solo Instrumental,Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar,Slide Guitar
Biff Watson   Acoustic Guitar
Kris Wilkinson   Viola
Glenn Worf   Bass
Curtis Young   Background Vocals
Reggie Young   Solo Instrumental,Guitar,6-string bass
Aubrey Haynie   Fiddle
Roy Huskey   String Bass
Kent Wells   Guitar
Michael Rojas   Piano
John Wesley Riles   Background Vocals
Terri Williams   Background Vocals
Michael J. Henderson   Guitar
Dennis Wilson   Background Vocals

Technical Credits

Travis Tritt   Producer
Edgar Meyer   String Arrangements
Gregg Brown   Producer
Hugh Brown   Art Direction
Ed Cherney   Engineer
Rob Feaster   Engineer
Paul Franklin   Contributor
Isaac Hayes   Composer
Chris Hammond   Engineer
Rik Pekkonen   Engineer
Mike Poole   Engineer
David Porter   Composer
Chris Stone   overdub engineer
David Thoener   Engineer
Billy Joe Walker   Producer
Don Was   Producer
Kris Wilkinson   String Arrangements
Randee Saint Nicholas   Inlay Photography
Peter Nash   Cover Photo
Steve Woolard   Discographical Annotation
Alan Schulman   overdub engineer
Gladys Sanchez   Licensing
Randy Perry   Project Assembly
Leigh Hall   Liner Note Coordination

Editorial Reviews

In February of 2002, Warner/Rhino offered up two Travis Tritt compilations, one spotlighting his "Rockin' Side," the other his "Lovin' Side." Titles don't come much clearer than that, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that both compilations deliver on their promise without straying from their template. Because they stick to a theme, neither has all of his hits, but that's not a problem since the selected hits -- in this case, tunes like "Help Me Hold On" and "More Than You Will Ever Know" -- are surrounded by sharp selections from his albums, giving each compilation a surprisingly well-rounded feel. If The Lovin' Side isn't as successful as The Rockin' Side, it's because Tritt sounds more engaged on up-tempo material, and his ballads often aren't as compelling as his rockers, but it has to be said that this does sustain a smooth, romantic mood quite well. Note that this really does take "lovin'" seriously, meaning that honky tonk numbers (and big hits) like "Country Club" and "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)" are entirely absent, but those looking for either the "Rockin' Side" or "Lovin' Side" of Travis Tritt will find either volume satisfying.

All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine