Drawn largely from Vince Gill’s first three albums for MCA Records, 1989′s When I Call Your Name, 1991′s Pocket Full of Gold, and 1992′s I Still Believe in You, Souvenirs functions as a greatest-hits collection from what is arguably Gill’s finest period as a solo artist. Gill’s smooth tenor singing is practically the definition of modern slow-burning country sincerity, all done with a touch of that bluegrass “high lonesome” sound, and his ease with ballads frequently obscures the fact that he is one hell of a guitar player when he decides to be. Highlights on this easy to like set are duets with Reba McEntire (“The Heart Won’t Lie”) and Dolly Parton (“I Will Always Love You”), an interesting cover of the Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why,” and the infectious and upbeat “Liza Jane,” which lets Gill rock things out a little. Souvenirs isn’t the last word on Vince Gill, who continues to record and release quality contemporary country and bluegrass albums, but there isn’t a better single-disc introduction to the commercial side of his output than this one. – Steve Leggett
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