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Review from CountryReview.com (Australia)
August 2003…Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: George Peden
In the testing world of country music, there are those who think they can cut it as easily
as Garth and as musically as Shania. They quickly grab a hat, snare an agent, book
some recording time, link to a compilation label and then barnstorm the radio stations,
all in the hope of stardom. It’s a jerky chase. It can lead to miserable
results. Let’s reintroduce Erin Hay. She’s a singer who hasn’t
grabbed at the quick promise of fame. She, like Garth and Canada’s most
celebrated navel, has spent time forging a quality career. Hay first gained our
notice when we reviewed her CD, The Circle. That review highlighted her
musical progression. We learned of her arrival in Nashville in ‘91. We
noted her meeting and ongoing partnership with respected producer Lonnie Ratliff and their
eventual recording of three albums. The time spent, the lessons learned, and the
Ratliff association have all contributed to Hay’s current popularity. A
popularity now rewarded by being one of the Internet’s most downloaded country
artists. Somebody’s Angel (Westwood International Records,) with its 10 covers
and 6 originals, picks up on the earlier efforts of The Circle. Angel,
while showcasing Hay’s clear, pitch-perfect vocals, is a reliable mix of traditional
influences and chart possibilities. It’s a winning combination. It’s hard
not to locate a favorite track here. From the fiddles heard on the opening cut, the
Haggard-penned and recorded, "Big City," to John Denver’s memory-soaked
"Take Me Home, Country Roads," to Ernest Tubb’s 1942 gold-selling
"Walkin’ The Floor Over You," to the smash for Patsy Cline, "Faded
Love," every song grabs. "Fool #1," a hit for Billboard’s Most
Programmable Female Vocalist in the early 60's, Brenda Lee, is part of the lineup.
The song, carried with just the right amount of heart tug and lover’s ache is pure,
rich and country. Not unlike "Givin’ Old Memories Away." This
somber tale of worthless love is, again, a vocal signature to Hay’s seal on
traditional country. The title track carries some history. "Somebody’s
Angel" is a reworking of a song off Hay’s ’92 industry demo cassette.
Having recorded this latest version in one emotional take, she claims the song is
one of her all-time favorites. Given the feeling and vocal passion on offer, it's
easy to hear why. Music veteran Ernie Ashworth, a 1964 inductee into the Grand Ole
Opry, shares microphone duty on "Poor Folks." Ashworth, who still tours
and claims recognition as one of the most played indie acts in Europe, is a counterbalance
to Hay’s strong and convincing vocal. The tune is a musical pairing respecting
the duo’s talents. Also in the album’s memory mix, we hear the cold chills of
country classic "Ode To Billy Joe." Bobbie Gentry did a winning version of
her self-penned tune. Hay’s rendition is on a par. With a mixture of a
slap-brushed snare, dobro and steel, the track is the listening reward it’s always
been. Some of the new tracks could be hits-in-waiting. "Cry Like Memphis,"
a Gary Duffy and Ron Wallace-penned effort, is something Trisha Yearwood could make money
on. The emotion felt by the absence of a departed lover, kindled by the strains of
"Love Me Tender" heard through an open truck window, and how our heroine will
cry like Memphis on the day the King died, makes it an album standout. The Lonnie Ratliff
and Tom Mitchell-penned "Seed Catalog" is another tune of creative interest.
The track, which is enjoying international air play, tells of a mother’s hurt
as she waits for family mail that doesn’t come. Waiting with keen expectation,
Mother finds comfort in the regular mail. A seed catalog. The kids do
eventually get in touch – when they return for her funeral. A life lesson
clearly spelled out. Erin Hay is one of the vibrant new possibilities in country music.
On this album, the song choice is first rate, the production values high and the
voice is true. She’s taken her time, but then possible stardom is not a jerky
chase – it’s a journey of talented persistence. Review from Country Music
News (Canada)
October 2003…Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Larry Delaney
Now into her fourth album, Erin Hay still remains without a major label record deal –
which has to rate as one of the great mysteries of modern day country music. Sure, we all
know the reason why; Erin Hay is a hardcore country singer (a vocal flashback to Tammy
Wynette,) so why would a record label want to sign a ‘real country’ singer these
days. Thankfully, Erin Hay and her producer Lonnie Ratliff haven’t allowed that
little problem to keep them from making some great albums; and Somebody’s Angel
is a terrific follow-up her earlier The Circle album; and it has the same winning
formula of mixing heavy doses of ‘cover’ tunes with some new original material.
On this outing Erin Hay again delivers some really strong covers of tunes like Merle
Haggard’s Big City, Marty Robbins' Don’t Worry; the John Denver
classic Take Me Home Country Roads and traditional nuggets like Walkin’ The
Floor Over You, Faded Love and Oklahoma Hills. She also gives Pop standards
like Brenda Lee’s Fool #1 and Connie Francis’ Among My Souvenirs a
special ‘country’ feel. The new tunes are equally well done. Givin’ Old
Memories Away, The Tree, Seed Catalog and the title track Somebody’s Angel
are all good songs, and Erin Hay makes each of them sound like potential chart hits.
Review from ACMLA.com.au (Australia)
July 2003…Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Smoky Sheldrick
Unquestionably one of the best artists recording worldwide. Erin can make any song a hit
from the old classics to the new releases with 16 songs that will take you back in time
when country was grass roots and honky tonk. Ernie Ashworth teams up with Erin on track
(12) "Poor Folks," excellent version as are the rest. Difficult to pick stand
outs but try these: track (1) Merle Haggard's "Big City," track (5)
"Walking The Floor Over You," track (11) "The Tree," track (12) the
duet with Ernie Ashworth "Poor Folks" and track (13) "Oklahoma Hills."
The rest are just as good if not on equal par. Somebody's Angel is
well-presented, great photos, sound, well produced with magnificent vocals by Erin Hay (A
Star Worldwide.) Don't miss this one, it will be one of your favourites giving you
many hours of pleasure. Independently released Overseas on Westwood International Records.
Review from CountryCapers.com.au (Australia)
July 2003…Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Trevor Johnson
The reason for reviewing an American artist this week is quite simple. Nashville
based country music artist, Erin Hay, markets most of her product on the Internet and uses
this medium to sell thousands of albums throughout the World, and I admire her for that -
apart from that fact she also has a genuine traditional country music voice and producer
Lonnie Ratliff has the knack and experience of making all her songs sound great. Her
latest album, Somebody’s Angel, is her best yet with a mix of standard songs
and some great new compositions. I don’t want to play favorites, but I
personally liked the title tack and another lovely song, "The Tree." Even
the cover versions are different because they are all given the Erin Hay/ Lonnie Ratliff
treatment to make them uniquely different from the originals. Erin was born and
raised in Southern California and singing and acting have been in her blood all her life.
This lovely lady moved to Nashville in 1991 and hasn’t looked back since.
Her albums are particularly popular in England and Europe plus she is establishing
a big following in Australia.
Review from TheBridgeworks (USA)
August 2003…Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Bill Littleton
Here are sixteen reasons the corporate radio syndrome is sick in the head or hollow in the
heart, whichever fits. Erin gets a lot of international airplay and an enormous amount of
Internet activity, but precious little or none in what calls itself mainstream country
music. These sixteen songs are a wonderful balance of shuffle, slow, waltz, two-step and
gospel tempos with stories that touch on dang near anything you can imagine in the human
condition. Furthermore, the mix is heavy on familiar songs with a handful of new ones that
you'll want to remember. There's a lot of Perley Curtis on steel and Jim Unger on fiddle,
with exquisite piano riffs all over the place, on-the-money harmonies and an overall
production shared by Lonnie Ratliff and Erin that lays every syllable and every beat out
as an honest country offering to a world hungry for straight-ahead country music. Most
important, however, is the voice. More in the tradition of Connie Smith than Martina
McBride, Erin belts these wonderful-every-one-of-them songs with the comfort and
confidence of old friends. This is really good, folks; maybe Radio will get on it, but
there is a market for it even if they don't.
Review from: The Advertiser (UK)
August 8, 2003...Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Pete Smith
One of my top favourite ladies is California born now Nashville resident, Erin Hay. It is
not hard to understand why she ranks so highly in my estimation. It is not just that
beautiful voice but the way she uses it, to sing country music as it was intended! I have
three Erin Hay albums to date and all are country to the core with a neat blend of
standards and newer songs. The most recent of those three, Somebody's Angel
(Westwood International,) beautifully revives such established country fare as "Big
City," "Take Me Home Country Roads," "Walkin' The Floor Over
You," "Faded Love," "Among My Souvenirs," "Ode To Billy
Joe," "Oklahoma Hills," "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" and the Gospel
classic "Farther Along," plus a duet with Ernie Ashworth on a new song called
"Poor Folks." 16 top drawer performances make this my Album of the Week.
Review from: Country Music Round-Up (UK)
September 2003...Erin Hay-Somebody's Angel
By: Pete Smith
Erin Hay proves that you can't beat the old country. Her albums are chock full of country
oldies and goodies with a few recent compositions thrown in for good listening, and she
stays with this formula for the wonderful Somebody's Angel album. Erin's
beautiful voice and strict country approach breathe new life into such country greats as
"Big City," "Fool #1," "Walkin' The Floor Over You,"
"Faded Love" and a duet with Ernie Ashworth on a new song called "Poor
Folks." 16 great performances crisply produced, as usual, by Lonnie Ratliff with Erin
also helping out in that department.
Review from CountryReview.com (Australia)
June 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: George Peden
"On country radio, you don't hear anybody you recognize. The singers don't have any
particular style. If you don't know their bellybuttons, you don't recognize them."
That humorous quote, peppered with a degree of truth when you survey the country music
charts, allegedly belongs to musical outlaw, Merle Haggard. It’s a quote, though, of
wasted words when speaking of Erin Hay – the singer who quickly is becoming one of
Nashville’s brightest possibilities. However, it’s Hay’s perfectly shaped
notes, not her imagined glamorous navel, that is drawing radio and fan interest. With a
strong love of country music, demonstrated by a story told of how she began crib-singing
at 3 months, Hay scores a hat trick on her independent release, The Circle. The
album, released on Westwood International Records, is a joyous blending of a richly
grained voice, talented musicianship and strong song choices. Drawing on her favored
influences – Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and CountryReview.com featured
artist Dolly Parton, Hay is as clear as a lonely mile and as country as boots and
rhinestones. She has been consistently chipping away in Music Row’s back blocks since
arriving in Nashville in 1991. Trekking the well-worn route of demo-singing and
payin-your-dues club work, the former Californian teamed up with noted Nashville producer
and songwriter Lonnie Ratliff. The collaboration resulted in Hay’s first album in
1992. However, it wasn’t until much later that the first whiff of real success
crossed the duo’s path. The break through came with the October 2000 release of their
collaborative Honky Tonk Heaven – an album which enjoyed critical success on
universal independent country charts and became the number 6 import CD into the UK for
2000. Now with the collaborative juices flowing again, these 14 tracks – 10 originals
and four covers, including three duets – allow for Hay’s catch cry of "When
it's too country for everyone else, it's just right for me!" to be clearly
understood. The Circle, with its traditional base of catchy fiddles, honky-tonk
fervor and enough steel to satisfy a ship yard, releases Hay to cut loose with songs that
are familiar and some that soon should be. "False Eyelashes" opens the album
with more than a flutter. With a strong backbeat and a tale of shattered dreams and
critical self-disclosure, the ‘60s Dolly Parton recorded song is a confident cover.
From an album liner note confession, we learn that Parton is more than idol inspiration or
a song source, though, to Hay. "She is the reason I’m in Nashville singing. It
was Dolly who introduced me to traditional country music, and I thank her for that."
"Tomorrow Is Forever" has Hay repaying the favor with a smooth rendition of the
emotionally rich Parton-penned classic. The charmed vocals offer sensitivity, clarity and
an expressive charge, all the while reflecting on sentiments asking for acceptance of a
shaky past for the possibility of a happier future. However, it’s Lonnie
Ratliff’s evocatively penned "The Circle" – a tale of Opry ambition
and a yearning to eventually stand in the circle where Hank Williams sang "Love Sick
Blues" – that embodies imagery, voice and lyrical interpretation in a standout
track. Perfectly. "The title song is very special," tells Hay, "because my
producer wrote it just for me. Standing backstage at the Opry one night, he observed me
watching the show from the wings and basically read my mind. The song is, without a doubt,
me. It represents where my heart and soul are as far as traditional country music
is concerned. Forget every famous stage in the world, every arena, every stadium. The
circle is where I aspire to stand one day." The Tommy Collins-penned "High On A
Hilltop" has Hay in fine form with duet partner and Opry performer, Jack Greene.
"Gotta Travel On" uses a tight Ratliff production and the duet harmonies of
veteran Ernie Ashworth, while respected steel and dobro player, and band member for this
album, Perley Curtis, lends his talent on "His & Hers". Shawn Camp,
songwriter to the stars with hits for George Strait, Garth Brooks, and Brooks & Dunn,
amongst others, shared ink with Ratliff on "Sometimes I Go As Far". The tune of
tortured times laced with country’s dependable elements – heartaches, loneliness
and one way misery – has Hay expressively pushing the thought buttons. The Darryl
Staedtler-penned 1983 hit for modern rancher George Strait, "A Fire I Can’t Put
Out", is treated to a steel guitar makeover, while the Bob Wills/Lee Ross
compilation, "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You", will satisfy memory lapses for
fans starved for classic country. Unlike Merle Haggard who is eyeing a female chart
identity crisis, one listen to Erin Hay will make her easily identifiable. Her rich voice
and steely determination to succeed by staying traditionally true, proves – her jewel
is a talent heard, rather than seen.
Review from Amazon.com (USA)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
This follow up album from Erin Hay leaves the true blue Country fan with nothing but
questions.
Q: Does true Country Music get any better than this?
A: No, honestly it doesn't...
Q: Is there a new female vocalist anywhere these days singing Country as good as Erin
Hay?
A: No, not one, nowhere...
Q: Can this CD, The Circle, be better than the incredible Honky Tonk Heaven
album?
A: You wouldn't think so, but it is!!!
If you love traditional Country Music and you loved Erin's critically acclaimed CD, Honky
Tonk Heaven, you won't be disappointed. The Circle is more country than the
last, if that's possible, and it even bears the stamp of approval from Erin's idol,
Loretta Lynn, "This girl knows what Country Music is. I love her singing!" With
classic songs like "Walk On By," "BJ the DJ" and "My Shoes Keep
Walking Back To You" and some great originals like the title cut written by Erin's
producer, Lonnie Ratliff, and "Tennessee Moon," this CD is a tribute to
tradition and the institution Erin loves so much - the Grand Ole Opry. As an added bonus,
enjoy two great duets with Grand Ole Opry stars Jack Greene ("High On A
Hilltop") and Ernie Ashworth ("Gotta Travel On.") If you are a true Country
Music fan, you need this CD.
Review from Country Music People (UK)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Craig Baguley
***3 ½ stars***
A new offering from traditional country singer Erin Hay that will please everyone who
loves their steel and fiddle in large doses…The material includes several heavyweight
country songs which, despite their oft-recorded status, I never get tired of listening to,
particularly Carl Butler’s "If Teardrops Were Pennies" and the Bob Wills
evergreen, "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You." That superb vocalist, Jack
Greene, joins Erin on Tommy Collins’ quasi-gospel "High On A Hilltop,"
famously cut by Merle Haggard. Other duets feature the irrepressible Ernie Ashworth on
"Gotta Travel On" and the lesser-known Perley Curtis (who I believe worked with
Loretta Lynn and is the steel player on this album) on the Tony Douglas tale of marital
strife, "His and Hers." Dolly Parton cut a fine version of "False
Eyelashes" years before she became a superstar, and it still makes for a good kicking
shuffle. More recent (well at least into the 80s) is a cover of George Strait’s
"A Fire I Can’t Put Out"…There’s a perky cover of Stonewall
Jackson’s tale of tragic "BJ the DJ," written by Hugh X. Lewis (now what
ever happened to him?) Of the newer material, producer Lonnie Ratliff’s "The
Circle" pays homage to the great institution of the Grand Ole Opry. Ratliff also
co-wrote the love’s-old-memory ballad, "Sometimes I Go As Far"…The
Circle is bound to do well among devotees of hardcore country music, and Erin Hay is a
proud flyer of the flag.
Review from Christer Andersson (Sweden)
January 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
Erin Hay is the new "Queen of Honky Tonk," with strong musical influences by
Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Erin is originally from Southern California,
but moved to Nashville (Music City USA) in 1991 to pursue her dream of being a country
star. Her album from 2000 called Honky Tonk Heaven was a good taste of what could
be expected on her current album. It is called The Circle and is for those who love
good traditional country music. Her excellent honky tonk voice and steel and fiddle
arrangements shine on original songs like the title track, which is about her dream to one
day sing on that circle of wood at the Grand Ole Opry. I believe she will soon stand there
like the bigger stars. There are also great covers of classics like Leroy Van Dyke’s
"Walk On By" and Bob Wills’ "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You."
They are great uptempo classics that Erin lends her personal style to. Erin and her
producer, Lonnie Ratliff, know how real country music should sound and this independent
album shows that. Very good!
Review from McCoy (Denmark)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Freddy Olsen
Here we have the latest CD from Erin Hay, and it gets better each time she releases a new
one. The question for everyone was would she hold to the standard, and I think she did.
"The Circle" is the title track of the new album and again she is doing a great
job in traditional country where she belongs. Her solo tracks are really great, but beside
those, she has done some great duets on this CD-the partners are Jack Greene, Perley
Curtis and Ernie Ashworth, all great names in country music. Some of the songwriters are
Carl Butler, Dolly Parton, Bob Wills and Tommy Collins. With these great songs and her
voice, it is truly music to your ears. I recommend this CD highly, not just to have, but
to listen to over and over again.
Review from www.ginza.se (Sweden)
March 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Jonas Ohman
Erin Hay is practically unknown to the general public, but many country insiders consider
her a worthy musical heir of Loretta and Dolly. The legends have also shown support for
and/or lent some of their classic country hits to her current album, The Circle.
The album is made complete by a few new songs in that same style, written by the producer
Lonnie Ratliff and others. It is a great nostalgic trip and a reminder of this great style
of music and is even more importantly, musical perfection.
Review from Yesterday and Today Records (Australia)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Steve Reid
The second album from the truest female country singer in existence at the moment.
"False Eyelashes" is a song done by Dolly Parton, but not as well as Erin. The
old Stonewall Jackson hit, "BJ the DJ" is given a great rendition. There are
three duets featuring Jack Greene, Ernie Ashworth and the wonderfully named Perley Curtis,
one of Erin's band members on the album and a talent in his own right. 14 tracks make for
great value.
Review from Country Music Roundup (UK)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Pete Smith
Erin Hay is truly the "New Queen of the Honky Tonk Angels. " If there were any
doubts before, one listen to the Southern Californian's current album, The Circle
(Westwood International,) will quickly dispel them. A verse from the title track states,
"Mother Church of country music, this country girl has paid her dues, I'm standin'
just outside the circle, where ole Hank sang "Lovesick Blues." Certainly Erin
has paid her dues, but I feel she is no longer outside the circle - she is right in the
middle! Erin never strays from the stone country path as she magnificently performs the
standards, "BJ the DJ", "Tomorrow Is Forever," "If Teardrops Were
Pennies," "Walk On By" and "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You."
Hay also recalls the halcyon days of "boy/girl" duets with a trio of sterling
performances, "High On A Hilltop" (Jack Greene,) "His And Hers"
(Perley Curtis) and "Gotta Travel On" (Ernie Ashworth.) Erin doesn't rely solely
on tried and tested numbers from the past, she features newer songs too with "I Hope
You Turn Me Down," "Sometimes I Go As Far," "Tennessee Moon" and
that wonderful title track. My favorite, the new take on the George Strait hit, "A
Fire I Can't Put Out."
Review from Country Music News (Canada)
February 2002…Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Larry Delaney
While Lee Ann Womack, Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton are trying to keep "real"
country music alive amongst the current crop of female country singers, it is
"independent" artist Erin Hay who folks should really be listening to. She is
the real thing !! The Circle is Hay’s latest collection of pure country music,
a sizzling follow-up to her Honky Tonk Heaven set from last year that established
her with fans around the world. Unfortunately, most country radio stations have failed to
recognize Erin Hay as the best new female voice in country music today. Not their first
oversight, mind you. Here, Erin Hay covers a bunch of familiar country nuggets, scoring
nicely on "BJ The DJ" (a 1964 hit for Stonewall Jackson); the Tommy Collins
classic, "High On A Hilltop," done here to perfection as a duet with Jack Greene
(of "There Goes My Everything" fame); the Carl Butler chestnut "If
Teardrops Were Pennies," which has been recorded by dozens, Ray Price’s "My
Shoes Keep Walking Back To You," LeRoy Van Dyke’s signature song "Walk On
By" and the more contemporary George Strait hit, "A Fire I Can’t Put
Out." Although sounding more like a 2002 version of Tammy Wynette, Erin Hay ranks
Dolly Parton as her singing idol and inspiration, and pays tribute here to Dolly with
versions of her early career tunes "Tomorrow Is Forever" and "False
Eyelashes." While the album is built around these "cover" tunes, Erin Hay
can put her own unique vocal touch to a song and several fresh cuts here rank as standouts
on the album. "I Hope You Turn Me Down" is one of the strongest
‘hurtin’ song efforts put on disc by a female country singer in ages.
"Tennessee Moon" is a tear-jerking story song that anyone close to the music
business will relate to. "Sometimes I Go As Far," co-written by Shawn Camp with
Erin Hay’s producer, Lonnie Ratliff, is another scorcher that deserves special
airplay attention. There’s also a powerful duet with newcomer Perley Curtis on
"His And Hers," this one holding its own against the best work of all the great
country duet acts of the past. The title track will strike a special chord with most
country fans. "The Circle," written by Lonnie Ratliff, tells the familiar story
of the Grand Ole Opry stage where everyone stands to sing their songs. Although the song
is very reminiscent of the song "Circle Of Wood," written by the late Canuck,
Wayne Pronger (recorded by George Hamilton IV, etc,) Erin Hay makes this song sound very
special thanks to her passionate delivery of the message in the song.
Review from www.baerchenrecords.de (Germany)
May 2002...Erin Hay-The Circle
This is the second album from the California-raised country singer who's showing up
everywhere on the Independent playlists. She now lives in Nashville. This album continues
where her debut album, Honky Tonk Heaven (positively received by both the critics and
fans) leaves off . The Circle is perhaps more "Country" than the predecessor (if
that is at all possible) and the listener can clearly hear the musical influences of her
idols - Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton - In this circle of legends, Erin Hay
aspires to be one day. That day is coming, and this album proves it because she is a great
honky tonk singer. "Erin is a great singer. Maybe the Opry will find that out
someday. I love her singing, " certifies Loretta Lynn in the CD liner notes. Erin Hay
offers 14 pure country songs with everything the country heart desires: waltzes and honky
tonk shuffles, howling steel and fiddle, uptempos and ballads, songs about
"heartaches" and "loneliness." In addition to new interpretations of
classic songs like Dolly Parton's "Tomorrow Is Forever" and Bob Wills' "My
Shoes Keep Walking Back To You," there are also great new songs. The Circle is a
tribute to the tradition of the institution Erin Hay loves so much, the Grand Ole Opry! A
celebration for country purists. With this amazing production behind her, success is
inevitable and has absolutely been earned.
Review from Metrocountry.co.uk (UK)
December 2001...Erin Hay-The Circle
By: Ray Grundy
Latest CD from one of my favourite country music lady's. The Circle is a 14 track
album containing 4 originals and 10 covers of some classic country songs. The title track
says it all about this fine artist. Written by producer Lonnie Ratliff, "The
Circle" tells of Erin's dream of one day standing in the circle where Hank Williams
once stood, centre stage at the Grand Ole Opry. I have a real strong feeling that dream
isn't very far away. There are some excellent versions on here of classics like; Bob
Wills' "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You,"one of my all time favourite songs
this one and Erin does it full justice with her wonderful presentation of it here. Erin
credits Dolly Parton as being her main inspiration for singing Country Music and she pays
homage to the legendary star with good covers of "False Eyelashes" and
"Tomorrow Is Forever," two songs previously recorded by Dolly, with the latter
also coming from Dolly's own pen. "Walk On By" was a major hit for Leroy Van
Dyke in the early 60s, it even spawned an answer song from Margie Singleton, "I'll
Walk On By," and you will be hard pressed to find a better cover than this one here.
There are 3 duets on the album as she teams up with Jack Greene for a spine tingling
version of the late Tommy Collins' "High On A Hilltop," Opry veteran and Grammy
nominee, Ernie Ashworth shares the mike for "Gotta Travel On," a hit for Billy
Grammer back in 1959, while Loretta Lynn's steel guitarist Perley Curtis is her partner
for the excellent love ballad, "His & Hers," Perley has a great voice and
according to the liner notes is currently pursuing a solo career. I for one will be
listening out for his album! Talking of Loretta Lynn, the star also contributes to the
liner notes by stating, "Erin is a great singer. Maybe the Opry will find that out
someday. I love her singing." Erin also covers Stonewall Jackson's chart topping,
"BJ The DJ," as a tribute to Stonewall and also to say thank you to all the DJ's
who play her music (I don't think they would need much persuasion to do that.) Erin Hay is
country to the core. Forget all the Nashpop coming from the majors these days, if you like
REAL country music, then they don't come any more traditional than this exceptionally
talented young lady. The Circle is a wonderful, 14 track, value for money album,
with not a bad track to be and is a must for any serious country music fan's collection!
Review from Country Music People (UK)
March 2001....Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Craig Baguley
***4 1/2 stars***.....
It's an apt title, for sure. If you like dyed-in-the-wool honky tonk, plastered with
sizzling steel and fiddle, you'll love this. With a touch of Connie Smith in her
vocals, Erin Hay proves she's right at home in the world of shuffles, two-steps and
barroom ballads. California-born, Erin's been in Nashville a few years now - she cut
her first album, Somebody's Angel, way back in 1992 - but her obvious dedication
to hardcore country music, shining through on her bright, glowing vocals, probably doesn't
gain her any favors on Music Row. The choice of material is well thought out, from
classic songs like "There Goes My Everything" and Loretta's "Honky Tonk
Girl" to lesser-known gems such as Skip Ewing and Max D. Barnes' achingly beautiful
"Autumn's Not That Cold." The production and playing exhibit a spirit that
you rarely find on major label projects these days where ProTools, sampling and technical
accuracy take precedence over feel - not that a simple country album like this would be
considered by heavyweight label in Music City. I loved the kickoff cut, "You're
A Lesson I've Already Learned," with its extended fiddle intro. I loved the
animated two-step, "Bad Luck." I loved the torchy Patsy Cline-ish "I
Got The Blues Again." I loved the mid-tempo shuffle "If the Phone Don't
Ring." I loved the slow, self-exploratory "Mirror Mirror (On The
Wall)." Darn it, I just loved everything on this album. At every listen,
the star rating goes up and up, so I think I'd better stop here. It's not
world-beating. It's not making history. It's not breaking new ground.
It's just REAL country music.
Review from Metrocountry.co.uk (UK)
May 2001...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Ray Grundy
"When it's too Country for everyone else, it's just right for me!" says Erin
Hay, and listening to this 14 track album, the lady leaves you with no doubt that she
means it. Influenced by Country Music Queen's such as Wynette, Parton, & Lynn, Erin,
who has a voice I would describe as a cross between Tammy Wynette and Lorrie Morgan, even
takes on Tammy's "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" and turns in .....for
me......an even better performance than the late star herself! There are also great
versions of the much covered.... both pop & country....Dallas Frazier penned,
"There Goes My Everything" and Faron Young's Country chart topper, "Alone
With You," as well as an excellent reading of Loretta's "Honky Tonk Girl."
Other stand out tracks........ although there isn't a bad track on the album......include
the very catchy shuffler, "You're A Lesson I've Already Learned," the rockin'
"Bad Luck" and a spine tingling rendition of the Skip Ewing/Max D. Barnes penned
ballad, "Autumn's Not That Cold." If the major labels weren't too busy looking
for their next big hit in the POP charts, they would be fighting tooth and nail for this
very talented young lady's signature. She's that good!!!!!! Get down to your local record
shop straight away and place an order for Honky Tonk Heaven. I guarantee, you
won't be disappointed!
Review from Yesterday and Today Records (Australia)
May 2001...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Steve Reid
Erin Hay-the anti Faith!! Honky Tonk Heaven-Sensational 14 track CD of true
country music that exudes class and quality from go to whoa. Heavy on the steel and
fiddle and excellent honky tonk songs that stand up with anything that charts. As a
matter of fact, "Autumn's Not That Cold" would be/should be a number one.
We get a lot of great indies from the fellows but few from the females. Never one as
good as this. Justin & Roger have great female company.
Review from Listen.com (USA)
2001...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
Erin Hay could very well be the new Queen of the Honky Tonk Angels. Her backline
consists of Nashville musicians who sound descended from the old-timey session guns on any
of yesteryear's classic recordings - sons of guns if you will. Hay's voice invokes
the past like it was heaven sent. Her elastic inflections are dripping with the
honey of pure high-lonesome tones. She manages to infuse her own relevant visions
into the song structures, which keeps her from being pigeonholed as a retro act.
Review from Southern Country (UK)
January 2001...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Sue McCarthy
This album is pure country. It is great to hear a young lady not at all afraid to sing
country the way it always used to be sung. Erin was born in California. She was exposed to
all kinds of music growing up, inluding her dad's favourite, Marty Robbins. At age seven
she heard Dolly Parton sing for the first time, and Erin fell in love with traditional
country music. Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, George Jones and Jack Greene all were
influences. Erin can sing a country ballad or a two stepping up tempo song with equal
ease, and this album makes for good listening, with all those traditional sounds of pure
country. Some great piano playing, in amongst the fine instrumental work on this album,
backing Erin's good country voice. If true country music is your thing, give this album a
try. I found it most enjoyable. I very much enjoyed Lonnie Ratliff and Gidget
Baird-Kortwright's composition, "Mirror Mirror (On the Wall)," a gentle ballad
about the mirror seeing the truth of things.
Review from My Kind Of Country (USA)
2000...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Linda Fryer
I'm not sure I've recently heard REAL country music - the old- fashioned kind, in quite
this way, for quite awhile. Not THIS strong, anyway! Erin Hay has it all -
perfect "country singer" voice, great musicians to back her up, excellent
material, and a producer (Lonnie Ratliff) who knew exactly how to bring it all together.
I've listened to a lot of artists, seasoned vets, big stars, independents, and
brand new kids on the scene. Some have just knocked me right outta my chair.
Some have me hooked with the very first note. And some, sadly, just haven't moved me
at all. Honky Tonk Heaven, Erin's second album, (the first was Somebody's
Angel) is one of those CDs that will go into my "good country tunes" stack,
to be played a LOT! And I'll listen to it, everytime I feel a pang in my soul, for honky
tonk country music. This is one CD that will never be outdated. It's one I'll
go back to again and again. Why? Because it satisfies my need for the kind of
music that can only RARELY be found on the radio today. The kind that reminds me of
why I really love country music! I hope she gets all the recognition she deserves -
both in Europe, AND right here in the good ol' USA. I recommend that you stop by
www.MP3.com/erinhay to hear her music, and send her your words of encouragement at
erinhay@usa.net. Erin Hay is someone that I'm bettin' we'll hear more about in the
future. I hope not the too DISTANT future either! And, wow, I just love
writing reviews like this. It's always good to have to search for enough POSITIVE
words to cover everything. And this one sure does deserve a lot of them! Yep,
it's only MY opinion. And yep, as always,… "An Independent
View". Freelance Music/Entertainment Journalist
www.mkoc.com/CountryFryed, Lfryer1324@aol.com.
Review from Muledog.com (USA)
Winter 2001...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
Thanks to songwriter Lonnie Ratliff for letting me know about this CD (Honky Tonk
Heaven.) This is a great CD with a real country angel on vocals. The
whole CD is exceptional and is a mixture of the best of the traditional country with some
really nice progressive and blues elements included. Mule Dog highly recommends this
CD and invites everyone to visit her site for some more of the great material contained on
this fine CD.
Review from CoCam.co.uk (UK)
1999...Erin Hay-Honky Tonk Heaven
By: Clive Warren
Forget ideas of cliched style, this is Honky Tonk country music at its best. Erin
has a pure lilting voice with which she pours out her heart. This is country heaven.
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