In 1980, George had been in the game for a long time; 25 years since he had hit with "Why Baby Why" and not far away from a stint in rehab that would not really work out. What he did do successfully, was to record and release some incredible hard country music. This music is released as the album I Am What I Am.
The album kicks off with what critics, scholars and a whole lot of hillbillies consider to be the greatest country song of all time, "He Stopped Loving Her Today". Because of that one song, ownership of this album is mandatory for even the most casual country music fan. What makes this album a true classic, however, is the inclusion of several other gut bucket country tunes that could define the career of a lesser performer.
Right after George and producer Billy Sherrill hit you upside the head with that anthem of lost love, filled with wailing steel guitar, vocal choruses and a tear jerking recitation, they take a sharp turn from lost love to heavy drinking. A second well chosen song, "I've Aged Twenty Years In Five" provides perhaps a too close look at the pitfalls of alcoholism while the tears continue with "Brother To The Blues" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)".
The production work of Billy Sherrill stays true to the basic formula which he had honed since the early 70s. Many people have called it "countrypolitan" or have compared it to Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" but for George Jones, this works perfect as he stirs up emotion usually reserved for Roy Orbison.
Side two has some great songs also but has a gigantic clunker..."Good Hearted Woman". Why this Outlaw classic was selected for this record will forever be a mystery to me. The tight, layered production falls flat and the song goes nowhere fast. At least Billy Sherril had the good sense to put this on side two.
Soon after this record was recorded, Urban Cowboy would sweep the nation and the face of Country would change, but records like this provided a last glimpse into the world of hard country until the likes of Randy Travis and other Neo-Traditionalists would bring the honky tonk back to the airwaves in the mid 1980s.
The Cat Daddy says...scoop this gem up at any yard sale or flea market you might be at. It's a winner.
