David Ball - Amigo

David Ball's 1988 debut was sweet and melodic, complete with yodeling and a beguiling, light-on-its-feet traditionalism. Following his 1994 Top 10 single, Thinkin' Problem, he wound up lost in the hat-act shuffle, which, had he stuck with it, would probably have destroyed his integrity as it had that of so many others.

Amigo returns Ball to his Southwestern roots. The title song, has a '40s feeling that sets the tone for the entire record. Other Ball-authored material is just as fine, particularly Missing Her Blues, the yodelfest Texas Echo, and the gutsy gospel of When the Devil Wants to Wrestle.

Ball also includes a masterful interpretation of Merle Haggard's loungy Trying Not to Love You and demonstrates his flawless taste in vintage material, recasting the 1920s pop hit Linger Awhile as fetching, acoustic-driven Western swing and the classic Just Out of Reach as a waltz. ~ Rich Kienzle

• Amigo
• Missing Her Blues
• She Always Talked About Mexico
• Riding With Private Malone
• Whenever You Come Back To Me
• Loser Friendly
• Linger Awhile
• Trying Not To Love You
• New Shiner Polka
• Texas Echo
• Swing Baby
• Just Out Of Reach
• When The Devil Wants To Wrestle