Billy Gilman: 'Everything And More'

Album Review by
Tammy R. Phillips
CountryReview.com

Back when he was "young," a mere 11 years to be precise, Billy Gilman broke records with his debut single, "One Voice," beating out the long-reigning Brenda Lee as the youngest performer, ever, to have a song on the Billboard Country Singles Chart. And he didn't stop there.

The album itself, also entitled 'One Voice,' went on to become a multi-platinum success, while Billy took home awards for the AMA's Favorite New Artist, TNN/Country Weekly's Discovery Award, Billboard's awards for Best New Artist and Best New Video (for "One Voice"), as well as CMT's video award. To top that off, he was also a Grammy nominee, both in 2000 and 2001.

Now that he'll soon be turning the wise old age of 17 (this month on May 24), Gilman is back after a couple years' break ­ with 'Everything And More,' his fifth recording altogether and his first with Image Entertainment.

The new CD, set for release on May 3, is literally about everything and more. Each song, with exception of the cover of Rob Carlson's "Peaceable Kingdom," was personally written for Billy by producer Sandy Linzer and co-writers such as Edward B. Kessel, Madeline Stone, Allen Shamblin, and Jeffrey Franzel, among others.

Coming from one who once feared he'd never sing professionally again (when his voice went through the natural changes of early adulthood), you'd never know it by listening to him now. When he sings songs like the enchanting "Coming Home" or the sweet tale of praying for someone who doesn't feel deserving of that prayer on "Pray For Him" ­ as well as the collection's lead single and title track, "Everything And More," and the beautiful "Looked Into The Wings" ­ it becomes understandable why so many have labeled him as a powerhouse vocalist. It's because he is.

Although it couldn't be disputed that when Gilman sincerely shines it is on the ballads, other cuts like "Hey Little Suzie (The Cause Of All That)," about discovering a new kind of friendship with an old friend, and the fun rhythms of what is sure to be everyone's new dance floor favorite "Three Words, Two Hearts, One Kiss" explore a side of him the world just hasn't seen enough of. In another aspect, a Broadway musical wouldn't be unheard of in his future, after listening to numbers such as Billy's own favorite "I'm Not Me Anymore," "Is Anybody Out There," and especially the album finale "Awaken The Music."

If you are a fan of big talent, you'll want to be first in line for this one as soon as it hits store shelves on May 3. It is, in fact, "Everything And More." Billy Gilman isn't only a singer; he is a bonafide entertainer that could go in any direction he chooses, successfully so. It's a wide open field from here.

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