Album Review – Vince Gill’s “Okie”
Artists, in all mediums and disciplines, are the emotional arrays of society in a given time and place. They’re the barometers, reflecting and cataloging our deepest concerns and fears, and our greatest joys. And if necessary, it often falls to artists to challenge our morals and norms, question our trajectory and priorities as peoples and nations, and attempt to put us on a more righteous path if that’s what the underlying pulse of humanity decrees.
There has been a call to action recently from certain segments of the media, from the intelligentsia, and from some country artists themselves such as Tim McGraw, for country music artists to get political, and get involved in what they love to characterize as the most calamitous time in our nation’s history. Forget the conceited and flat out wrong conclusions of this embellished notion of history that are an insult to the injustices and lives lost during the Civil War, or the 60’s with the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam. This misdiagnosis of the severity of today’s problems is nothing more than a symptom of social media supercharging dissent by incessantly feeding us negative news, and the dying media industry propping themselves up with perpetual crisis cycles for click bait. And both sides of the political divide are to blame.
But even more misunderstood is what exactly it would look like if country artists did get political en masse—as if this would somehow take shape in the way progressive think tankers hope or hypothesize. Country music has gotten political in the past. That’s how the Dixie Chicks got blackballed, and Toby Keith became one of the richest entertainers in all of music. Country music is a bastion for conservative values, and always has been, artists included. This is simply the way of things, regardless of how one may feel about it, or how it might suit your own personal political affiliation. And it’s not going to transform simply because it would be convenient for some people who see country artists and their fans as these unwitting pawns in a social experiment they get to engineer because they believe they’re smarter. Country stars getting political? Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.
Vince Gill heard a call to action, but it likely wasn’t the one from the media, or political pundits rang. Instead it was from Gill’s inner voice and compass as a composer and artist, shaken as we all are at the fractured nature of our times when even the angriest voices are often quietly yearning for solace and resolution. Gill didn’t get political on his latest album. He got religious, and in a way that sears through all the negative stereotypes about devout people, and the accusations of prejudices that people love to blanket country music’s more traditionally-leaning listeners with. Vince Gill underscores and verifies that true people of faith are not practitioners of judgement and racism, but of compassion, forgiveness, and charity. And that in divided times, they too can provide wisdom, understand, and healing through expression. This is a lesson both the world outside the Judeo-Christian community needs a more involved understanding and reminder of, as do frankly many of America’s religious and traditionally-minded people. And Vince Gill has stepped up to share that important and timely wisdom with the world through Okie.
Vince Gill and Okie come completely out of left field in both the power and scope this project contains. We had a sense it would be one of Gill’s most personal records to date, and it most certainly is. And now that the Hall of Famer doesn’t need to hassle with recording radio singles or keeping the suits happy, he can write and record whatever he wants. All twelve of the tracks on Okie were co-written by Gill, and eight were written all by himself. His faith is at the forefront, his concern about the tempest-tossed nature of today’s societal upheaval is sincere, and his wisdom is sharp and biting in a record that speaks to our time poignantly and surprisingly free of judgement. In short, a 62-year-old with grown kids who is well past his commercial prime has released the album that we needed right now, and not because it leans on popular platitudes about social causes, but because it avoids them for the cool and calming nature of eternal truths that regardless of religious affiliations, have always been universally true.
Granted, just the title of a song like “The Red Words” will be a turnoff to some secular listeners (if they get the reference). And even though Vince Gill makes a strong effort to be open and inviting (and it’s not fair to label Okie as a record better fit for the Christian music catalog), the heavy handed religious notions will veer some away from the important messages the record conveys, and understandably so. Also in certain spots, Okie gets a little overly sentimental. Much has been made about his anti-molestation song “Forever Changed,” and Vince has conveyed his own personal story of an inappropriate incident he suffered along with the song. But if we’re being honest, the writing in this instance is a little too mawkish, a little too “After School Special” or “Hallmark Channel” to be effective, despite the importance of the message.
The nuance and open-ended story and moral of the incredible “What Choice Will You Make” is a much better example of the surprising power Okie contains. Where so many want to take a contentious issue like abortion and make it black and white, Gill does what all great artists do, which is use story to humanize a situation that doesn’t have a right answer, only a series of wrong ones you still must choose from, making both sides more understanding of the other’s perspective.
It’s not just the words and songs from Okie that bring a healing, calming feeling over the listener. It’s Vince Gill’s disposition, his singing style, and the production of the record. In his later years, Vince has really perfected the soulful register and style of his voice, and the music of Okie is paired with this perfectly, even if long stretches lack some of the twang and grit most country fans favor. The album does have a very adult contemporary, pesudo Christian radio feel to it that won’t appeal to a wide audience. But there is some meat and potatoes on this record too, like a murder ballad/prison song called “That Old Man Of Mine,” and a twangy tribute to Merle Haggard. Both of these songs come at the very end though, when their energy could have been used in the center of the record.
If Vince Gill makes any outwardly political statements on Okie, they’re of looking back fondly at the way things used to be in “Black and White,” or softly, but assuredly pushing back against this idea that we should even see ethnicity in arguably the project’s best-written song, “The Price of Regret.” In this song, Vince Gill asserts ideas that would have been labeled as very progressive years ago, but these days run afoul of the identity politics that obsesses over labeling people for political expediency. And “personal” really does feel like the perfect way to describe this record as opposed to just a marketing ploy. Songs like “When My Amy Prays” about wife and fellow performer Amy Grant, “Honest Man,” and “A Letter To My A Mama” are songs Vince wrote directly for his significant others.
When you first heard about Okie, perhaps you expected Vince Gill to compose some rag tag version of country music tunes evoking the early sounds of Merle Haggard and notions of Grapes of Wrath, especially when he told you he had sheathed his Telecaster completely for this effort. That still might be there under the surface, but the experience of Okie is much more involved, spiritual, and important. In a time when everyone is engrossed in the here-and-now battles of everyday polarization, when winning in the short term is sacrificed for long-term gains and understanding, Vince Gill tries to exercise prudence and foster understanding. And if approached with an open heart and mind, he succeeds in Okie.
8/10
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Brian
August 28, 2019 @ 11:35 am
I have not went through the entire album yet, but I absolutely love it so far and have listened to almost all of it. You make an amazing point that I was thinking when I heard this album. While there is no doubt Vince is a legend, he had a sound that I didn’t necessarily love, but it is almost like he has finally found his sound here with his voice. It is my favorite album of his by far and for the first time I actually love the sound of his voice singing songs. I know he has always had a great voice, but there just seems to be something different to it here and I love it.
Scotty J
August 28, 2019 @ 11:36 am
This is really good.
To your article yesterday I have been listening to the prerelease tracks for what seems like ages. ‘I Don’t Wanna Ride The Rails’ is such good song about aging and getting tired of the grind and not just for a musician but for anybody that’s getting older and wanting a less complicated, stressful life.
But ‘When My Amy Prays’ is a stunningly honest song that I think many people that struggle with can relate to.
This album is an example that every older artist should strive for. It’s deep, personal and mostly age appropriate.
Good stuff.
Kevin Davis
August 28, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
I’ve listened through it twice since it was released, and it’s already my favorite Vince Gill album. In addition to the thoughtful lyrics, it’s just a gorgeous album, produced with the right sensibility to capture the intimacy of the songs.
Rachel
August 28, 2019 @ 12:40 pm
Vince did some beautiful work with this. It never gets old hearing his voice pour feeling out. He’s definitely been a blessing for this genre, and still continues to be with his own music, producing, and seeming mentorship of newcomers. It’s something special to still be hearing quality new music from the likes of him and Reba.
albert
August 28, 2019 @ 12:45 pm
”But if we’re being honest, the writing in this instance is a little too mawkish, a little too “After School Special” or “Hallmark Channel” to be effective, despite the importance of the message.”
This was my take on most of what I’ve heard from the record and , in fact , much of Vince’s catalogue .
As a vocalist and a musician , Vince stands alone in terms of uniqueness , sheer talent and in his ability to evoke emotion .
As a writer that several of my own writer friends and myself have discussed from time to time , the consensus is that we wish he’d employ stronger folks or even search out better songs . If it wasn’t Vince singing these songs I’m not sure we’re looking at great work .
Saying all of that , I still listen to Vince before almost any mainstreamer .
Very focused review , Trigger . …good , honest job .
Anna
December 10, 2019 @ 2:08 pm
“the consensus is that we wish he’d employ stronger folks or even search out better songs?????” Excuse me while I decipher your words here. If Vince’s songs were any better than his academy of Achievement they would be so wonderful I am not sure my heart would not burst .My opinion . He just got better with each record and each song on those records. Yes, Trigger ? a great review. Albert ,rethink . Thank you for your opinion .It was mainly good but I think if more of Vince’s fans read your thoughts on the songs they would certainly disagree with you.
albert
December 10, 2019 @ 3:34 pm
”saying all of that , I still listen to vince before almost any main-streamer .”
I’m a vince fan when it comes down to it ….and i appreciate why you are , anna .
Scotty J
August 28, 2019 @ 1:04 pm
By the way, MANY THUMBS UP to the second paragraph of this review.
Very true.
Pat Riggs
August 28, 2019 @ 1:51 pm
This has got to b one of his best CD; if people does not like this something wrong. HE is at top of my list
Ray
August 28, 2019 @ 1:57 pm
I never want to get into a social media discussion about politics. It seems we all have suffered enough from everyone who makes it a goal in life to have an opinion about EVERYTHING and make it political. I have always loved Vince Gill’s voice, his messages and his unique way of delivering a song. His songs that touch people the most are the ones that make us think, whether we agree with the story’s narrative or not. If someone is uncomfortable not hearing about a subject, change the channel or don’t listen. Simple as that.
HayesCarll23
August 28, 2019 @ 2:14 pm
I love Vince Gill and enjoyed this album on the first listen. However, my problem with this album is “replay value.” Sure, the songs are good, but after I hear them once, I really don’t care to listen to them again. It’s like, I get the message, but it’s nothing I’d sing along to or ponder again.
Blake
August 31, 2019 @ 12:33 pm
I would agree with this to a large degree. I did, however. Add “I don’t want ride the rails no more” to one of my playlists though. I think that would have to be the stand out track of the record even though I feel like a lot of people think that distinction would go to “Forever Changed”.
Blake
August 28, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
I have mixed feelings about the record… Vince Gill could sing the phone book and it would sound wounderful, but this record just doesn’t “work” for me. However there are songs that may be a guilty pleasure just because they make me think “…yeah, I agree with that” like “Nothin’ like a guy Clark song”
NCW
August 28, 2019 @ 3:33 pm
“The Price of Regret” is a beautiful song. Great album. Great write up on this one. Vince’s voice is strong. The arrangement and production are great. A+.
Taylor
August 28, 2019 @ 3:43 pm
I have for some reason never really be able to get into Vince’s music until this album. The song I’d Want To Ride The Rails No More is a standout. Also really like World Without Haggard. The whole album is a winner in my book. I will have to add this one to my buy list.
Conrad Fisher
August 28, 2019 @ 6:50 pm
He played I Don’t Wanna Ride the Rails No More on the Opry a few weeks ago just with his acoustic and it was really beautiful. It’s a great song. The rest of his set was lazy. He even flubbed a chord which was strange to hear… but even so the audience loved him. Hard to hate Vince Gill.
Oregon Outlaw
August 28, 2019 @ 4:17 pm
Great writing in this review, Trigger.
I agree with Albert about the depth of the songwriting – it just lacks nuance and subtlety. Sort of like reading a book in the “young adult” genre, where the moral of the story is awkwardly transparent. Is it still good music with timely messages…definitely. And his voice is amazing. But it’s somehow not transcendent in the way that a song like Shasta by Vienna Teng ( https://youtu.be/1fR7TJO11QM ) is, which covers almost identical ground regarding abortions as Vince’s What Choice Will You Make.
albert
August 28, 2019 @ 5:03 pm
”it just lacks nuance and subtlety.”…sums it up perfectly .
Isaac Kenneth
August 28, 2019 @ 5:09 pm
Another stellar effort from one of country music’s best all around vocalist/musician/songwriter. Vince adds a lot of character to almost anything he sings, but songs of substance like this really show off his depth and experience.
Great article! I enjoyed reading.
Chuck Rhodes
August 28, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
“Mawkish”..: bet you had to search the Thesaurus all day for that one!
Chris
August 28, 2019 @ 6:33 pm
“Vince Gill underscores and verifies that true people of faith are not practitioners of judgement and racism, but of compassion, forgiveness, and charity.”
Well said. The same goes for his wife, Amy Grant (of whom I have been a lifelong fan). Like Dolly, they refuse to get political and they use their art to bring people together rather than divide them, and it’s refreshing. Both have been on the receiving end of judgment from the more conservative elements of their fan bases regarding the way their previous marriages ended, so they no doubt understand how faith can be used as a weapon. And they choose not to use their faith as a weapon.
Corncaster
August 28, 2019 @ 6:57 pm
Beautiful review, Trig. Gill was always a southern gentleman, and a few wipes cleaner than even Alan Jackson. I sure love the honky tonk, but Gill is in a line stretching back to Roy Acuff and his preacher discipline. Gill just blends it with the elegance of Chet Atkins.
Whatever it is, he’s done Amy proud.
wayne
August 28, 2019 @ 7:29 pm
And his live performances are close to studio, both singing and playing.
Sana Mello
August 28, 2019 @ 9:43 pm
I couldn’t agree w/ you more. The album comes across as more personal, and reflective.I feel like Vince gave us the comfy chair in his house.. “True people of faith are not practitioners of judgement and racism, but of compassion, forgiveness, and charity..” That’s right, and thank you so much for saying it…
Zebb
August 29, 2019 @ 3:37 am
https://www.nodepression.com/sharing-the-stage-rodney-crowell-and-vince-gill-on-four-decades-of-friendship/
Gill and Crowell interviewed together. Two old hands and dear friends.
Craig
August 29, 2019 @ 5:48 am
Hey man well done, what a great review and right on. Thank you for that.
Benjamin
August 29, 2019 @ 6:16 am
Do you think that country music has many listeners (of a substantial amount that could actually effect things) that aren’t Christian? Many country songs mention God, Jesus, Faith, and heaven all the time, so I feel like most country music listeners are Christian or at least have a belief in God. I’ve noticed whenever songs come out, like this new Vince Album, or God’s Country, or If Heaven Wasn’t So Far, or Jesus Take the Wheel, or Monsters, or Long Black Train, etc, etc come out, the Christian community clings to them, but I think it’d be fair to say that MOST country listeners also like their music to have a religious element, because they can relate to that because it is their life too.
Trigger
August 29, 2019 @ 9:28 am
I think country music fans are widely diverse, and include many non Christians, and even metal fans thanks to artists like David Allan Coe and Hank3 that may even consider themselves anti-Christian. But they respect the music, and even the religious notions because it reminds them of their roots, of simpler times and the themes and stories are universal. Christianity is part of the fabric of American society, as is religious freedom, and you find it embedded in lots of music, African American music especially, which is where country music gets its Gospel roots from, and that you can hear in an album like this. If and when you get preachy and judgemental, whether about politics or religion, that’s when it’s a problem. But country music should be for everyone, even if they’re not Christian, conservative, or from the country. It’s made by people sharing their life experiences, and religion is often a big part of that.
Aggc
August 30, 2019 @ 8:04 pm
I listen to country music religiously but am not the slightest bit religious.
JB-Chicago
August 29, 2019 @ 8:58 am
Yep….as a long time Vince fan I couldn’t wait to hear it so I gave it a full spin the day it came out and thought this is a really solid wonderful honest Vince album but it’s just not rotation worthy. After reading the great review and everyone’s comments this one was exactly how I felt as I gave it the final spin. Vince is a legend and does whatever he wants now, I’ve no problem with that. Maybe the next one will be more in my wheel house.
JB-Chicago
August 29, 2019 @ 9:21 am
This was meant to be a reply to HayesCarll23 above. Not sure how it ended up down here?
Benny Lee
August 29, 2019 @ 12:03 pm
I’m torn on this one:
– Vince Gill could sing the phone book and it would sound great. But a voice like that with heartfelt melodies screams for better lyrics.
– Thought I would miss his tele playing, but was just fine without it. Could have used a little more spunk, though.
– There are a few swear words, which I don’t mind at all, but they are jarring on this album. Like I could feel he was uncomfortable with the word as he sang it. Vince does clean like nobody’s business; maybe he should stick to that.
– I appreciate the Merle and Guy tributes, but would have preferred to hear his renditions of some of their songs instead (since they were way better songwriters). Maybe his next album should be all Guy covers. He could call it, “Guy: The Definitive Tribute”, and maybe get Steve Earl to denounce him or something for some free press.
Conclusion:
Enjoyable, but not going to be in my rotation any time soon.
dukeroberts
August 30, 2019 @ 11:56 am
My first reaction when seeing the picture at the top of the article was “Vince needs to shave”. That thing does NOT look good. Okay. Now, I can listen to the music.
Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh
August 30, 2019 @ 1:56 pm
Vince is an all round classy guy. However, his faith is, in his own words a work in progress. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, just wanted to point out that he’s far from the god-fearing Christian most think.
As for the album, I love most things that he does and this is no exception, I found myself welling up on my commute listening to Letter To My Mama, something that’s not happened for a while. Maybe I’m a philistine.
Julie Tucker
December 11, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
Vince I really enjoy listening to Okie,You can tell you put your heart and soul into it.
Jonathan Hollick
December 29, 2020 @ 8:03 am
I am not a fan of Country Music, but I am a fan of Vince Gill! I duplicated an order for the Pure Prairie League and when I tried to cancel the seller said hey give this guy a listen he was in the band and he’s now in the Eagles. I had bought Turn Me Loose from the early 1980’s and was mighty impressed. I just took possession of Okie and am loving it so much as I write that I have made a mental note to see the guy at any costs in Nashville when us English are allowed to visit again! What a talent he is and how fortunate I have such a bad memory and double ordered that LP!