Collin Raye in the studio sings the title track from his new album - 'Never Going Back'

COLLIN RAYE
GALVANIZES THE ERA OF THE
ROCK N ROLL N COUNTRY MUSICIAN
ON
NEVER GOING BACK

Due April 28th
(Time Life)

Fairfax, VA (February 11, 2009) --- The irony of naming his new album Never Going Back isnt lost on Collin Raye. His new songs may subtly recall the great, organic music of a bygone era but instead of stepping back in time he pulls the sound right up into the future. At a time when pop hits are built by teams of master songwriters and musicians, Never Going Back (released April 28th on Time Life) is a welcome return to the art of the artist.

Mixing up the laid back rock and folk of mid-seventies Southern California with country and rock n roll, Raye creates a sophisticated and diverse album for the music fan who cheered when The Eagles won a country music Grammy. Never Going Back evokes the spirit of the day when an artist could record an album and perform it just as it sounds in a smoky club or on a stadium stage. No dancers, no pyrotechnics, no backing tracks and overdubs, just great songs by a great artist. Before this, Id never done an album where Ive wanted to immediately go out and perform the whole thing, explains Raye. Recorded in Alabamas historic Muscle Shoals, the album feels guided by the ghosts of the country, rock, blues and pop albums that the region cultivated throughout the 70s.

From the roaring, feel-good romp of Mid Life Chrysler to the powerful reworking of Without You, a duet with Grammy nominee Susan Ashton, Never Going Back bears another trademark of the LP years; a great listen from start to finish. While every tune is as finely crafted as the next, one song, in particular, remains unforgettable. The intensely personal Shes With Me, written by Raye for his severely neurologically ill granddaughter, is a poignant song of unconditional love.

This is the album Ive always wanted to do, says Raye, a weighty statement from the man who has four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10, four platinum albums, three AC hits, several CMA and ACM nominations and years of sold out tours already under his belt. And true to his word, hell head out on tour right as Never Going Back is released, ready to play every single track onstage each night.

• Category

  Music

[tequilatalkin]

love the Eagles influence

[TimeLife]

I think he's a big fan. I'll ask next time I see him. Don't you think he sounds a little like Don Henley?

You'll love the album if you like the Eagles.

[tequilatalkin]

yeah think there are a few tracks if you did'nt already know it was Colin you would think it was Don Henly espec the title track. Seen him in Dublin Friday 15/5 Just loved the gig. He was stayin at the same hotel and we did see him in the foyer from the bar but alas I was too shy to speak...ah life is so full of regrets. ps got Eagles tickets (a few rows from the front for 4/07/09...cant wait)

[TimeLife]

I was thinking the same thing about him sounding like Don Henley. Glad you got a chance to see Colin in concert. He's such a nice guy. The album is terrific. It's available on the Time Life website and at iTunes. You'll love it!

Have a great time at the Eagles show. I'm excited for you!

[collinrayefan]

Yes, he is a Don Henley fan.

[joachim gwinner]

fantastic!