Not much has changed musically from the 1970s/1980s Gene Watson to the 2001 Watson who has released From the Heart on RMG Records. He has been recording for nearly three decades, and it is perhaps his stylistic consistency and raw talent that keeps him afloat in the ever-changing tide of Nashville. Like the albums that contained hits such as “Love on a Hot Afternoon” and “Memories to Burn,” this album is highly vocal and unmistakably traditional. It should come as no surprise that some of the most impressive material on the album are Watson’s characteristically sincere love ballads, such as “When You’re Not Looking Back” and “Would It Be Cheatin’,” which isn’t about cheating at all. As if to acknowledge the spirit of the country greats before him, Watson even includes the sorrowful “I Never Go Around Mirrors,” written by the late, great Lefty Frizzell. Lovers of the traditional country scene will find that From the Heart lives up to its title — that’s where all of Gene Watson’s music comes from. – Rick Cohoon
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