Everywhere (CD - 1997)

Personnel: Tim McGraw, Timothy B. Schmit, Faith Hill (vocals); Larry Byrom, Biff Watson, B. James Lowry, J. T. Corenflos (acoustic guitar); Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Brent Rowan, Pat Buchanan (electric guitar); Sonny Garrish, Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Mark Casstevens (banjo); Glen Duncan, Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Bob Mason (cello); Matt Rollings (piano); Steve Nathan (piano, keyboards); Mike Brignardello (bass); Lonnie Wilson (drums); Curtis Young, Curtis Wright (background vocals).

Producers: Byron Gallimore, James Stroud, Tim McGraw.

"It's Your Love" was nominated for 1998 Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals and Best Country Song.

Personnel: Faith Hill, Timothy B. Schmit (vocals); Larry Byrom, B. James Lowry, Biff Watson, J.T. Corenflos (acoustic guitar); Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Pat Buchanan, Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Paul Franklin, Sonny Garrish (steel guitar); Mark Casstevens (banjo); Glen Duncan, Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Bob Mason (cello); Steve Nathan (piano, keyboards); Matt Rollings (piano); Lonnie Wilson (drums); Curtis Wright, Curtis Young (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Chris Lord.

Recording information: LOUD Recording; Secret Sound; Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Everywhere, Tim McGraw's fourth album, finds the vocalist in a bit of a rut, following the same formula of slick ballads and measured rockers that made his second record, Not a Moment Too Soon, a blockbuster success. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since he remains an appealing singer when he has the right material, such as on the single "It's Your Love." In fact, it's the ballads that work better here; they prove truly outstanding and even moving: "You Just Get Better All the Time," the title track, and "I Do But I Don't." When he has a lesser tune, however, the results are bland and uneventful "Hard on the Ticker" is an example. Those songs don't prevent Everywhere from being a pleasant listen, and it satisfied his legions of fans well enough, but it did suggest that he should break free from these constraints and move toward the excellence he was capable of and eventually delivered. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Thom Jurek

EVERYWHERE starts out strong with "Where The Green Grass Grows," a rocking anthem for country living, guaranteed to make even city folks hum along. And though the album contains its fair share of up-tempo songs, the real treats here are the slower ballads. Tim McGraw may wear a big, imposing hat, but under the brim lies a sensitive soul. "It's Your Love" is a heartfelt torch song duet with Tim's wife, Faith Hill.

Tim's strength stems from willingness to share his vulnerability. The title song tells the story of a past love, now hopelessly out of reach. The singer imagines her everywhere he's not. While the protagonist may never find this woman, no matter where she travels, it's likely to be difficult for her to avoid hearing at least one song off EVERYWHERE, so solid is the appeal of this proven hit-maker. minimize