The Other Side (CD - 2003)

Personnel includes: Billy Ray Cyrus (vocals); Terry Shelton, B. James Lowery (acoustic guitar); Billy Joe Walker, Jr. (electric guitar, gut string guitar); Pat Buchanan, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore (slide guitar); Jonathan Yudkin (fiddle); Kevin Haynie (banjo); John Jarvis (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Gordon Mote (Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizer); Michael Rhodes, Glenn Worf, Dave Pomeroy (bass); Paul Leim (drums, tambourine); Lonnie Wilson, Greg Morrow (drums); Bekka Bramlett, Kim Carnes, Wendi Green, Richard Marx, Gene Miller, Kim Parent, Joe Scaife, Chance Scoggins, Harry Stinson (background vocals).

Recorded at Emerald Entertainment, Nashville, Tennessee.

Billy Ray Cyrus pleasantly surprises in this ode to gospel -- gospel being defined here as a blending of mainstream pop and traditional country with religious lyrics. Religious faith is put on a pedestal here, sounding thoughtful and inspirational in these 11 stylistic tracks. Cyrus seems to have put his "Achy Breaky Heart" days behind him and takes a step forward with this album. The fervor that was missing from his last two albums turns up here in abundance. The Other Side enriches Cyrus' fading repertoire. This CD shouldn't be labeled because of its religious material, but should be recognized for its unlikely convergence of musical styles. Special guests '80s pop icons Kim Carnes and Richard Marx contribute vocals. Highlights include "Face of God," "Did I Forget to Pray," and an amazing rendition of "Amazing Grace." ~ Maria Konicki Dinoia

Years after "Achy Breaky Heart" had fallen from the charts, and Billy Ray Cyrus's legendary mullet had been replaced by a stylishly coifed 'do, the Kentucky native, for many, remained the ultimate embodiment of a one-hit-wonder who relied on style over substance. Those who were quick to dismiss Cyrus, however, have missed a surprisingly consistent and enjoyable catalog of expertly sung and emotionally resonant new-traditionalist country music. With THE OTHER SIDE, TV's "Doc" continues to silence the critics by delivering a heartfelt collection of inspirational and Christian-themed country and roots-rock that often has more to do with Nashville artists like Clint Black and Alan Jackson than with the novelty material he favored earlier in his career. Cyrus has picked a great group of songs here, rich with descriptive detail and storytelling narrative. In addition, the singer's voice has become a nicely worn-in instrument, capable of delivering passionate readings that rival the best of his more celebrated contemporaries. minimize