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90 of 92 people found the following review helpful: Jackson's Precious "Memories" , March 4, 2006 By  T. Yap "thy4568" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews       Prime Cuts: In the Garden, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, I'll Fly Away Following in the footsteps of many country greats such as Randy Travis, Brenda Lee and Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson has added to the venerable canon of country artists singing the great hymns of the church. Unlike many other gospel CDs, "Precious Memories" does not come across as pretentious or spurious. Rather, recorded as a labor of love for his mother as a Christmas gift, Jackson's performance here is indubitably heartfelt. And wrapping his distinctive baritone around all around those vastly familar notes, Jackson gives each of these gospel chesnuts a warm glow brimming with a southern charm. With only a piano, acoustic guitars and organ, simplicity is the order of the day. However, with Keith Stegall's production, there is still that Alan Jackson familarity that has graced his last 10 studio CDs. A listen to Jackson's spirited version of the poignantly phrased salvific hymn "Are You Washed in the Blood?" brings us directly to church's altar. "Blood" in an almost medley-like fashioned is quickly followed by the southern favorite "I'll Fly Away" boasting an ascendary piano bridge that certain gives flight to this great paean of hope. Though understandability Jackson's penchant for those honky tonk barnburners is missing here, but the more obscure "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You" comes closest. Continuing the theme of the blessedness of eternal life, "Heaven" finds a heavenly-minded Jackson reveling in pellucid Saturday night Texas fun. When Jackson gets more reflective: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" still has that trancendant mesage that still bespeaks truth in today's melee of trials. Affirming the trustworthiness of Jesus in all the tribulations of life, wife Denise and daughters Mattie and Ali join in on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." Though the Jackson's read of "In the Garden" is straight forward, the simplicity of the tune and the vivid image of walking with Jesus is just heartwarming. While many tend to oversing "How Great Thou Art," Jackson's take is subdued with a sense of awe-inspiring reverance. Though there are 15 tracks, many of these songs only run for over a minute or so, making this a very listenable CD without being monotaneous. However, this can work as a double-edged sword as the CD only clocks in for a little more than half an hour. Perhaps, the other criticism is that one would like to see Jackson giving some of these songs a more imaginative read. Other than these quibbles, "Precious Memories" is a pleasurable listen. But more important, it is with gratitude that Jackson would record this CD at the height of his career, brining to his fans and others a hopeful message deeply grounded in the Cross of Christ. Kudos to Jackson and Arista Records for having such an eternal perspective in mind.  Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

46 of 54 people found the following review helpful: Christian Tradition, March 15, 2006 By  James Durney (Tampa Bay area) - See all my reviews    For those who were raised in a traditional Christian home or for those who live in one, this is an excellent CD. Alan Jackson's voice is the right tone, with the right instruments to produce the feel of a good church solo. The 15 hymns fit together nicely, producing a body of song that brings back memories. Standards like, Blessed Assurance, Softly and Tenderly, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms and The Old Rugged Cross build a solid foundation for the other selections. The tempo of When We All Get to Heaven and I'll Fly Away is to slow by today's standards. However, this is within the historic norm for white churches. I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You is an excellent song and very well done. Personally, I'd rather have In the Sweet Bye n Bye on the CD.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Very Moving, April 4, 2006 By  gobirds2 (New England) - See all my reviews    I was moved and inspired by this album. These songs give me a tightness in the throat and a tear in my eye. Alan Jackson touches one deeply with these songs of reflection and memories. This CD is wonderful and very much unexpected.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)