While considered a come-back after a period of relative chart inactivity, this is clearly the product of Jones' incubation of both his talent and his troubles. His years on the road provided him with a mastery of his voice, and his personal and domestic problems provided the emotional fuel. From the stellar lead single "He Stopped Loving Her Today," through heart-wrenching ballads like "I've Aged Twenty Years in Five" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)" to upbeat tunes like "A Hard Act to Follow" and "Bone Dry," Jones doesn't falter for a second. He attaches himself to every word, and leaves the listener hanging on to every emotional turn.

Billy Sherrill tempers his normal Countrypolitan excesses, and though the production has many of the typical Nashville 80s touches, it stays mostly in support of Jones' singing. And a few touches, like the layering of background harmonies and the Spectorian swell of strings on "He Stopped Loving Her Today" are positively breathtaking.

One of the greatest records from one of the greatest voices ever to sing. Augmented by four bonus tracks, each of which measure up to the original ten. 'Nuff said.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:


Jones' best album  Sep 13, 2004 By Jake Z "holden84"
This album, released in 1980, marked the return of George Jones. At least artistically. The album became one of his biggest and most successful. Jones gives a good performance throughout that is restrained, but strong. The album spawned three big hits. "He Stopped Loving Her Today", which in my opinion is a great country song and one of his best and most moving hits. "I'm Not Ready Yet" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)" were the other hits from teh album. The remaining tracks are exceptionally strong, without a weak track in the bunch. The songs are simple, direct, and emotionally powerful, even with the smooth production. This album is the sound of George Jones at his peak and it's the highlight of his later years. The album also features 4 bonus tracks.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


George Jones' Come back album Came back again!!  Mar 08, 2003 By CJK78@msn.com
The GREATEST country singer, made the GREATEST country album in 1980. And now re-released it is MY favorite country Album. Modern country can't touch this album. This goes back to when Country music WAS country music, the same country music George Jones sings today!! He stopped loving her today, I've aged Twenty years in five, His lovin' her is gettin' in my way, and Bone Dry are the Raw testimony of George Jones. Though he may not have written all the songs on the album, He may as well have. Because he has been through it, he lived every word in every song!! GEORGE JONES is REAL COUNTRY!!

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


The "Possum" Re-emerges  Dec 25, 1999 By Edward L. Hicks
The Possum re-emerged in 1987 with this instant masterpiece of new material done in his inimitable fashion. Along with everyone's favorite, "He Stopped Loving Her Today", there are at least 3 other masterpieces in this collection (a lot for any single collection, by the way). "I've Aged 20 Years in 5", If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me", and my personal favorite "I'm Not Ready Yet". Overall, a very strong offering from an all-time great.

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:


The 80s album of the Decade!  Jul 13, 2000 By Patrick Hughes
What a pleasant surprise! The best country album of the 80s re-released with 4 unreleased tracks! "I Am What I am" is pure George Jones, "He stopped Loving her Today" is country music's song of the century, (Sorry Hank sr.) if you should own one George Jones Cd, this is a must! Every song is pure magic, and the remastered sound is an added bonus, and if you listen carefully, "The Possum" does sound tipsy on many tracks. No matter, tipsy back in 1980, or sober in 2000, no one can match the brilliance of country music's finest vocalist GEORGE JONES. He lives and breathes every song on this CLASSIC album. A must for anyone who loves country music!

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