And So It Goes

Known as "The Gentle Giant" for his formidable size and penchant for poignant, laid-back ballads and mellow, countrypolitan sounds, Don Williams, a Country Music Hall of Famer, returns with his first new album in eight years. It sounds as if it could have been recorded and released 20 or 30 years ago, such is its adherence to Williams' trademark style. Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, and Keith Urban guest, with Krauss providing the biggest kick with her vocal and fiddle performance on the ballad "I Just Come Here for the Music." Gill and Urban join for the ballad "She's with Me" and the upbeat "Imagine That," which features a rhythmic shuffle not unlike Williams' hit "Tulsa Time." "First Fool in Line" throws Spanish guitar into the mix. Williams' unhurried delivery speaks with the maturity and wisdom of age. His songs play out like heartfelt observations on a world where styles may change but human truths never do.