Billy Ray Cyrus - Southern Rain

Ever since 1992's "Achy Breaky Heart" made him a commercial smash and critical whipping boy, Billy Ray Cyrus has struggled to overcome the "one-hit" stigma, and it wasn't clear he'd ever succeed. He has. No longer does he hide behind posturing. His vocals are stronger, more confident, and expressive. While his musical edge is modern, the occasional addition of steel and fiddles hasn't hurt. He believably conveys a wide range of emotions and moods: renewal on "You Won't Be Lonely Now," wistful nostalgia on "Southern Rain," the passion of "Everywhere I Wanna Be," romantic desperation with "Love You Back," and excruciating loneliness on "Without You." He ably delivers the acerbic, satirical "Burn Down the Trailer Park" and the roadhouse rockabilly tune "Crazy 'Bout You Baby." With all this, he can be forgiven the smarmy "Hey Elvis" and "We the People," a potential advertising jingle masquerading as a patriotic number. Rough as the late '90s were for Cyrus, they brought the BRC of 2000 real strength and maturity. --Rich Kienzle Amazon.com

What a voice!!!

I became Billy Ray's fan since "Some Gave All". I am not an American but the title track really moved me. And I found that the man has an incredibly expressive and beautiful voice. "It won't be the last" was another great one, but after that album it seemed to me Billy almost forgot that he could really sing and kept growling. I wish there were more songs which could REALLY showcast Billy's vocal and emotions, like "She's not crying anymore", "Ain't no good goodbye", "Somebody new" etc.

With "Southern Rain", I can finally relate this guy to the great singer I once admired. His vocal really shines in this album, with even deeper emotions. The songs are all lovely. He sang quite a few big ballads, and they are all great and they suit him so well. Besides the title cut, I especially love "Love you back", the way he sustained the highest note in the song is so powerful and moving. He's the kind of singer who can make an ordinary tune sound so beautiful. And with quality songwriting like in this one, you owe yourself checking it out.

To me, Billy Ray Cyrus is more than just a country rocker, he is defintely a very accomplished vocalist with a remarkable voice that shames most of the other pop singers. I always wonder why he isn't as big as he deserves to be. He truly has the superstar quality - he writes good music, he sings well, he looks good and he has a big heart! Need I say more?

Those who snoot and dismiss Cyrus without paying attention to his music don't know what they are missing. September 2, 2003

Billy keeps it rough

Billy Ray Cyrus' voice has really matured in this album. After an excellent comeback with Shot Full of Love and an all new sound, Billy is stayiong on the same track as always, with gruff lyrics and catchy pop hooks. However, as always, there are the weak songs on this album that Billy can't seem to avoid. His voice isn't well suited for certain songs but he performs them anyway, creating a break in the album that just doesn't seem to fit. All in all, though, Southern Rain is worth the buy if you're a big Billy Ray fan. It is Billy at his most mature, and at times very heartfelt. However, it is not the best introductory album. If you are looking to start your Billy Ray Cyrus collection, start it with Some Gave All or Cover to Cover. April 8, 2003

SOME GAVE ALL-through- SOUTHERN RAIN

each cd shows the wide range BRC is capable of, & each rates 5 stars to me. why this talent has been "black balled" to me is simple. the man is good looking & went to the top with his 1st cd & reviewers can't stand that. his success on tv makes it even worse. i listen to various country radio stations in diff. states & never hear his songs. since 9/11 why do we hear lee greenwood's tired ol' song every hour & not BRC's "some gave all"? not country enough? now we have Australian's & singers wearing wool hats like rappers (k.chesney) answer-pure JEALOUSY!! December 13, 2002

Billy ain't Billy anymore

Billy Ray has steadily declined in his performances with each passing album. I base this on a standard of true country music. His first two CDs were exceptional. However, this and his last have left Nashville and country music long behind. If you want country music this CD doesn't deliver. If you like the typical Nashville Pop that emanates from Tennessee these days you may like it. Come on Billy how about gettin country again. July 24, 2002

Wrong type of music

Billy Ray Cyrus really has a great voice but either his manager or Billy Ray are choosing the wrong type of music. This is another CD that does not hit the mark.This guy is singing songs where the music does not give his voice the opportunity to be heard. I have about 5 of his CD's and mostly have been disappointed in all of them except his first. Billy Ray can sing a ballad probably better that anyone and with feeling. This is the music that would get him recognized not the screaming songs. He very rarely puts a ballad on any CD's but when he does they are great. From other CD's listen to "She's not cryin anymore" and "When I'm Gone" then you will see what I mean. I am not buying anymore of his CD's until I am sure he has some ballads on them. March 4, 2002

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