Conway Twitty’s second album of 1972 features 11 tracks following the trajectory of his preceding few releases. Twitty’s original albums have been seldom–if ever–re-released on CD or digital platforms. I Can’t Stop Loving You is currently available on a new quadruple release from BGO Records. This album outperformed its predecessor, I Can’t See Me Without You, on the US Country chart. Now that it is able to reach a whole new audience for the first time in its entirety, how does it hold up today?
My Impressions…
My initial feelings, when the opening bars of (Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date kick in, are of familiarity and pleasure. There is always something so comforting about Conway Twitty’s music. And that quality is ever-present here.
Most of what was Side One on the vinyl release feels a little like Conway-by-numbers. That is not to say that the standard is any lower than his usual impeccable work. Only that perhaps the track order might have been more skillfully arranged to keep the flavours fresh and avoid the slight monotony of style pervading the first half of the album.
Although his power and passion are evident in abundance, as fans will have come to expect, the execution of Don Gibson classic I Can’t Stop Loving You was a little disappointing. However, Twitty’s performance builds to a thrilling climax with the last line. The rest of Side Two is more dynamic and therefore retained my attention much more effectively.
My Highlights…
Twitty manages to make White Lightning his own, bringing his own sense of fun and humour to the Big Bopper-penned song made most famous by George Jones. It is backed by a bouncy, spirited arrangement, giving it pep and energy.
The Harlan Howard-penned The Key’s in the Mailbox is satisfying and engaging. Howard was so prolific a songwriter in the country music field in the 1960s and ’70s that his style represents something of a standard. Therefore, Key’s feels formulaic, but in the best possible way. It feels like so many contemporary songs, with all the hallmarks and treatment which make them all great. The arrangements and the synergy between musicians and vocalist are sublime. The song’s structure and the way that it explores an idea of heartbreak work alongside countless others in its class, making it irresistible.
Track Listing
- (Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date
- Candy
- Hold To My Unchanging Love
- I Still See Him (Through the Hurt in Your Eyes)
- I Just Wanted You To Know
- I Can’t Stop Loving You
- Imagination Running Wild
- White Lightning
- Back When Judy Loved Me
- The Key’s in the Mailbox
- Since She’s Not With the One She Loves (She’ll Love the One She’s With)
In Conclusion…
I Can’t Stop Loving You delivers Conway Twitty’s genius as a vocal performer aplenty. It does not reinvent the country music wheel. Yet it peaked at number 3 on the US Country chart on original release. Twitty’s seemingly inherent emotion and perfect instinct for its expression lift everything he touched, with the songs on this album no exception.
It is a must-own for fans of Twitty. He and the producers and musicians he worked with captured the very essence of contemporary country music during the 1970s. This is what is on display here most of all. Which means that I Can’t Stop Loving You is also likely a very welcome addition to any fan of 1970s country music.
Despite some of my earlier criticisms, most of the songs included here made me want to move while listening and that is a reliable indicator of the energy and power of an album, for me. The vibe and feel of music is a universal indicator of its efficacy. The feel of I Can’t Stop Loving You is pleasing and engaging, as much today as 43 years ago.
