Young Man (CD - 1990)

Personnel: Billy Dean (vocals, acoustic guitar); Biff Watson (acoustic guitar, keyboards); Brent Rowan, Brent Mason, Reggie Young, Chris Leuzinger (electric guitar); Billy Joe Walker Jr. (guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Bruce Bouton, Paul Franklin, Pat Severs (steel guitar); Mark O'Connor (mandolin); Rob Hajacos (fiddle); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); John Jarvis (piano, keyboards); Barry Beckett (piano); Mike Lawler (keyboards); Glenn Worf, David Pomeroy, Michael Rhodes (bass); Lonnie Wilson, Eddie Bayers (drums); Rick Giles, Dennis Wilson, Michael Black, Jessica Boucher (background vocals).

Engineers: Bob Bullock, Tom Perry, Bob Campbell-Smith.

Nashville launched so many new acts from 1989-1992 that many who deserved a shot went overlooked. Thanks in part to his own songwriting skills, and to signing with SBK Records, which had just one country act to push, he got a good listen and was able to capitalize with a strong debut. His vocals aren't unique, but he sings with strength and conviction, regardless of the style. You can't go wrong with "Somewhere in My Broken Heart." ~ Tom Roland minimize