Shot Full of Love (CD - 1998)

Personnel: Billy Ray Cyrus (vocals); Steve Dorff (conductor); John D. Willis, Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Dann Huff, Mike Henderson, Brent Mason, J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore (steel guitar); Bruce Watkins (banjo); Jimmy Getzoff, Richard Altenbach, Jenny Bellusci, Jackie Brand, Bruce Dukov, Berg Garabedian, Endre Granat, Alan Grunefield, Tommy Hatwab, Pat Johnson, Karen Jones, Mike Markman, Horia Moroaica. Sid Page (violin); Brian Dembow, Matt Funes, Keith Greene, Janet Lakatos (viola); Steve Erdody, Vage Arikyan, Jodi Burnett, Chris Ermacoff, Paula Hochhalter (cello); Mark Douthit (saxophone); Gary Prim (keyboards); Dave Pomeroy, Glenn Worf (bass); Paul Leim, Owen Hale (drums); John Wesley Ryles, Jimmy Hall (background vocals).

Principally recorded at The Castle, Franklin, Tennessee; Sound Emporium, Wedgewood Studio, The Sound Station and Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. Includes liner notes by Billly Ray Cyrus.

Personnel: John Willis, Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Dann Huff, Mike Henderson, J.T. Corenflos, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Bruce Watkins (banjo); James Getzoff, Katia Popov, Pat Johnson , Horia Moroaica, Rachel Purkin, Karen Jones, Sid Page, Richard Altenbach, Jacqueline Brand, Bruce Dukov, Michael Markman, Berj Garabedian, Endre Granat (violin); Matt Funes, Don McInnes, Brian Dembow, Keith Greene, Janet Lakatos, Harry Shirinian (viola); Paula Hochhalter, Dennis Karmazyn, Jodi Burnett, Ray Kelly, Vage Ayrikyan, Miguel Martinez, Stephen Erdody, Christine Ermacoff (cello); Mark Douthit (saxophone); Gary Prim (keyboards); Paul Leim, Owen Hale (drums); Jim Hall, John Wesley Ryles (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: John Kelton; Paula Montondo.

Recording information: Castle, Franklin, TN; Sound Emporium, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Dean Dixon.

Billy Ray Cyrus may never live down the fact that he recorded "Achy Breaky Heart," but this, his seventh album, is a step towards salvaging his reputation. For the first time, Cyrus puts himself in the capable hands of Nashville's best songwriters and musicians, and the result is his strongest work ever. Every track is well-chosen and well-crafted, the production rocks without being too "rock," and Cyrus trades his usual over-the-top growl for some fine vocal work.

True, there are some catchy singalongs ("Rock This Planet," "Under the Hood") and one of Cyrus' trademark anthems ("The American Dream"), but none of them are lightweight or corny. The CD also finds Cyrus sounding more country than he ever has before--tracks like "How's My World Treating You" and "His Shoes" are truly emotional tales of heartbreak. Standouts include "Give My Heart to You," about a man who feels he's given away everything he has, except his ability to love; "Busy Man," about the dangers of being too wrapped up in your work, and "Touchy Subject," a bluesy rocker with a sax break. Critics who've been taking potshots at Cyrus for years may have to admit that SHOT FULL OF LOVE is right on target. minimize