Over a decade of amiable and entertaining hits, Vince Gill has occasionally emitted flashes of greatness. On The Key, he finally opens up and taps his full artistic potential with a complete collection of stunningly powerful songs. Using spare instrumentation, and working amid a foundation of bluegrass and barroom country sounds, the recently divorced Gill concentrates on simply stated yet deeply felt songs about betrayal, loss, and the prospects of opening a bruised heart to another lover. Working with a variety of female harmony partners--including Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Shelby Lynne, and Sara Evans--Gill brings out the aching beauty of his tenor by settling into gorgeous melodies laid out with unadorned authority. By daring to bare his innermost feelings, he's achieved the greatness he's hinted at through the years. --Michael McCall
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