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.
