Review
When Dwight Yoakam released "This Time" in 1993, he delivered something that felt both timeless and entirely of its moment. The album's 11 tracks unfold across 42 minutes of carefully crafted honky-tonk that never loses sight of its roots while embracing a more polished approach. With Pete Anderson's electric guitar work providing the perfect foil to Al Perkins' steel guitar, the musicianship creates a foundation that allows Yoakam's distinctive voice to soar through songs like "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere" and "Pocket of a Clown." Paul Buckmaster's string arrangements add layers of sophistication without sacrificing the raw emotion that makes country music so compelling.
What strikes me most about this collection is how effortlessly it bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. The title track exemplifies this balance, featuring Yoakam's signature vocal delivery over arrangements that feel both classic and fresh. Each song carries weight, whether it's the vulnerability in his voice or the way the production allows every instrument to breathe while maintaining that radio-ready appeal. "This Time" captures an artist fully in command of his craft, creating music that honors country's heritage while pushing it forward into new territory. - Raine
