I Own That CD! - Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett released five great albums in the late 80s and early 90s. His songs were witty, catchy, beautiful and country. He married Julia Roberts in 1993 (after meeting on the set of the movie The Player). They divorced after less than two years of marriage.

He then wrote 13 amazing songs. Not all were about Julia and/or their marriage and/or their break-up. But The Road to Ensenada is considered a break-up album (the songs were being written during the break-up). It’s so very good and it’s today’s feature on I Own That CD!

From Western swing and country-rock to folk and honky tonk. Lovett spread the wealth with his musical styles on this release. He stretched so much musically and lyrically. The mix of songs ranged from weightier material (including “Private Conversation,” “Who Loves You Better,” and “Christmas Morning”) to fun, lighthearted numbers (like “Don’t Touch My Hat,” “Fiona” and “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)”).

Favorites of mine include “It Ought To Be Easier” a heartbreaking song about lost love and losing yourself. “Long Tall Texan” is a swaying crooning duet with the fabulous Randy Newman.

It’s the closer, “The Road to Ensenada” that brings me back to this CD time and time again. It’s guttingly tough but gorgeous. Then, like a Marvel movie, you should stick around for “The Girl in the Corner”, a song that is hidden at the end of “The Road to Ensenada” following 1:30 of silence. The song hints at new beginnings.

That’s just like Lovett - the good with the bad and where comedy in its truest form takes on the role of happy and sad. It’s an amazing CD and I own it if you’d like to borrow it.