Kenny Rogers – Eyes That See In The Dark (Album Review)

Some albums are timeless, others are products of the era in which they were released, and others are simply remarkable. Kenny Rogers’ 1983 studio album, Eyes That See In The Dark, is all of the above and then some.

Showcasing a perfect blend of country and pop influences, Rogers worked with the legendary Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten, and Karl Richardson to produce an album that is as close to Kenny Rogers meets the Bee Gees as one can get. Rogers may not have had a falsetto vocal range, but when you merge the songwriting trio of Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb, writing the majority of songs, magic was bound to happen. The result is that Eyes That See In The Dark is one of the greatest, and one of the most underrated, albums of the 80s.

One core disappointment for the modern-day music lover, however, is that Dolly Parton’s duet with Rogers, on the song Islands In The Stream, has been omitted from every streaming and digital storefront. As the album is largely unavailable, outside of the secondhand marketplace, it’s a frustration that is largely unavoidable. From what I can ascertain, this classic tune has been excluded due to a licensing issue. The legalities of the music industry once again disrupt the ability for fans to simply enjoy the music. However, if there is a will there is a way and thankfully the song remains available via some of Dolly Parton’s career retrospective releases. As such, just for you dear reader (and myself, of course), I’ve put together a playlist to accompany this review that includes this landmark tune. Yes, it’s not the same and the purist in me will need to seek out an original unaltered copy, but if we look at the perspective of the glass being half full, then we’re incredibly fortunate to still have access to these songs.

As it pertains to the sonic quality of the available version, the lossless Apple Music stream is more than adequate. It is most likely derived from the long out-of-print CD release, but there aren’t any glaring issues to mention. It sounds like the 80s and is most certainly a Kenny Rogers album in tonality, but it’s also got the Bee Gees’ signature tunes all over it. What I’m getting at is that this album was recorded, mixed, and mastered well in the first place and the sonic presentation is perfectly suited to the music. With that in mind, join me as I take a look at the individual songs that make up this incredible release.

This Woman kicks the album off in an energetic and catchy manner. The lively tone and upbeat tempo are perfectly suited to Rogers’ smooth vocal delivery, but it’s the chorus that will captivate your music-loving soul. A simply fantastic song and a great opener!

You And I is a beautiful song and, interestingly, Barry Gibb’s vocal harmony opens the tune. It works incredibly well, but it does make you wonder if you’re listening to a Bee Gees tune or a Kenny Rogers one. That said, once Rogers gets going on the verse, his gentle melodic and emotional vocal presentation is masterful and the backing vocals throughout the chorus give listeners access to the very best of both worlds.

Buried Treasure has a country twang to it and is a perfect toe-tapper. Not only is Rogers incredible on vocals, but those backing vocals, again, are what musical dreams are made of for they don’t detract, but enhance the song; one that’s a hidden gem, or dare I say a buried treasure within Rogers’ extensive back catalogue.

Islands In The Stream (Duet With Dolly Parton) is, without doubt, the most well-known tune from the album and there’s little doubt that it’s incredible. The combination of Rogers and Parton was always pure gold and along with a touch of the Bee Gees, you’ve got not only a hit but one of the greatest songs ever recorded in all of music history. Yes, the Bee Gees’ performance from their One Night Only live album is pure perfection, but this original is perfectly suited to the album, the era, and the artistic intent, thereby making it a standout.

Living With You is a magnificent mid-tempo number and another hidden gem that not only would have been a hit had it been released as a single but is one of the best songs the Bee Gees ever wrote. A true masterpiece!

Evening Star has a gentler country-styled musical arrangement and while the opening elements may make you wonder if it isn’t just filler, this album-only tune becomes a beloved song as every time I listen to the album, I find myself thoroughly engrossed in this song without even realising it; it’s that good!

Hold Me is a lovely ballad that slowly builds and, again, it’s the combination of backing vocals, with Rogers’ incredibly delicate vocal, that enhances the song.

Midsummer Nights picks up the tempo, but as much as you’d think it would be a jolt to the senses, it isn’t as the sequencing of the entire record was masterfully done. The mix of country and soft rock elements are superb, but it’s also fair to say that Midsummer Nights is the most Bee Gees-like song on the album and if it wasn’t for the catchy melody, I’d question if this song choice was right for Rogers.

I Will Always Love You is a poignant ballad and Rogers’ tender vocal delivery ensures that while this is most certainly an album-only tune, it flows well and is perfectly suited to the record.

Eyes That See In The Dark is an incredible song to close the album on as it will encourage reflection whilst simultaneously encouraging you to play the record again. Yes, the verses may be a little pedestrian, but that chorus, as has been the case throughout much of the album, makes the song the powerhouse that it is.

In some ways, Eyes That See In The Dark could be considered a pinnacle release in Rogers’ career as it marked a very successful genre crossover into country-pop territory. Yes, Rogers had an incredible breadth of music, and sales success, pre-dating this release but it’s also fair to say that this album cemented his relevance beyond the country music scene he was most commonly associated with. That aside, Eyes That See In The Dark has a timeless quality, stellar production, and an incredible selection of songs meaning that there isn’t a bad song to be heard and it’s subsequently a release that not only highlights Rogers’ incredible vocal prowess, but is a must listen for all music lovers.

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Kenny Rogers – Life Is Like A Song (Album Review)

Kenny Rogers' Life Is Like A Song is a testament to the timeless charm and enduring talent of one of country music's most beloved artists. Released in 2023, this album showcases Rogers' rich and distinctive voice, heartfelt storytelling, and ability to touch listeners' hearts with his emotive delivery.

Given this emotional presentation, one can’t help but reflect on Rogers’ life. As such, posthumous albums are usually amongst my least favourite records as there’s sadness amongst appreciation and admiration. Naturally, the question of how soon is too soon comes up and in the case of Rogers, it has been a few years since the world lost this incredible musician. The time is therefore appropriate but one must also question the motives of such a release. Sadly, the music industry and artist estates have a bad habit of going through the archives and releasing any and everything they can get their hands on, all the while repacking it several times to take advantage of the most dedicated fans. 

Thankfully, Life Is Like A Song doesn’t feel like a release done purely for financial gain. It’s so incredible that it is as if Rogers himself signed off on this release. If anything, it pays tribute to both the man and the musician, in the best way possible; by the sharing of a new selection of music that had been, until this album, previously unreleased. Yes, there are a couple of songs that were previously issued, but Life Is Like A Song is primarily an album of new studio recordings. 

What makes Life Is Like A Song so compelling is the impeccable song selection and sequencing. I shouldn’t be surprised, however, as Rogers’ wife Wanda served as one of the Executive Producers, thereby, ensuring her husband, of over two decades, was beautifully remembered. The only bump in the road is attributed to the final bonus song on the Deluxe Edition; At Last. It’s a lovely song, but it doesn’t flow well and is a poor closing track, on this particular edition. That said, The core 10-track release closes masterfully on Goodbye. Although, the first bonus track, Say Hello To Heaven, on the Deluxe Edition is also an incredible closing moment. Regardless, vinyl enthusiasts will likely be content with the 10-track album structure; particularly with that incredible album artwork.  

Delving even deeper into this release, you’ll find the mix and mastering to be superb. While I’ve only, thus far, experienced the album via Apple Music, the lossless stereo stream, an Apple Digital Master, is mind-blowing. When a digital stream sounds this impressive, it makes one wonder if they need to attain the physical counterpart; other than for the thrill of ownership and the retention of a physical product. As it pertains to the Dolby Atmos stream, also on Apple Music, the soundstage is expansive but the result sounds a little hollow when compared directly to the stereo mix. I put this down to the likelihood that these songs were never recorded with surround sound in mind and as is often the case, simulated surround lacks the true nuances that one would experience with a production that was intended to offer a discrete mix from the get-go. Subsequently, I much prefer the stereo mix as it simply sounds right.

Love Is A Drug sets the tone for the journey ahead and is a perfect country-styled tune that blends seamlessly with Rogers’ legacy. His vocal prowess and the soaring melodies are expertly crafted meaning that Love Is A Drug is a standout tune. 

I Wish It Would Rain is a stunning mid-tempo ballad that showcases Rogers' storytelling capabilities. 

Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes) is a vocal masterpiece that brings Rogers and Keyes into the room with you. The musicality is subtle, but for a song like this, that is all that’s required for the harmonious intertwining vocals will leave you in awe. 

Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton) is a fantastic toe-tapper and one of the greatest songs on the record. Parton is once again a perfect collaborator and while Rogers’ recordings with other female vocalists should not be overlooked, Rogers and Parton had a vocal chemistry that transcends the humble duet. 

Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal) is, however, even more impressive than Tell Me That You Love Me with its instantly captivating melodic hooks. Granted, the shift in tempo plays a role here but Straight Into Love is simply magnificent nonetheless and O’Neal’s inclusion here is one to be held in high regard for her vocal capabilities are simply stunning. 

Wonderful Tonight is, as I’ve suggested before, one of the most magnificent ballads ever recorded. While it is Eric Clapton’s song first and foremost, and many exceptional interpretations of this classic song have been recorded, this Kenny Rogers recording is one of the greatest as it pays homage to the original, not drifting too far from the song’s origins, while simultaneously sounding fresh and becoming an essential tune in Rogers’ extensive catalogue of music. 

Catchin' Grasshoppers is a musical marvel with a beautiful opening that leads into Rogers’ vocal that soars above the musical bed with emotional depth and passion. 

That's Love To Me is a beautiful ballad combining Rogers' signature country sound with a touch of pop and easy listening. The infectious melodies and sing-along chorus make it an instant earworm but it is Rogers' charismatic delivery that will resonate with listeners. 

I Will Wait For You has a cinematic and relaxed feel to it. While it isn’t a standout tune, it’s lovely nonetheless. 

Goodbye pulls at the heartstrings, naturally, but what a gorgeous song to close the core album on. Rogers has never sounded so good and performs the Lionel Richie classic masterfully. His gravelly vocal presentation on Goodbye is simply magnificent. The control he has over his range, on this particular song, is incredible and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest that it’s one of his most powerful performances.

Say Hello To Heaven (Bonus Track) is touching, emotional, and moving. It’s a difficult song to listen to, however, for you feel the anguish of the song’s meaning. Despite being a masterpiece, I’d be lying if I said that it isn’t an emotional rollercoaster ride of a song. One that deserves to be listened to, certainly, but one that you simultaneously wish you hadn’t heard. 

At Last (Bonus Track), as I alluded to earlier, simply isn’t the strongest song to close the album with. That doesn’t mean that Rogers’ rendition of this classic tune is flawed, for it isn’t, it’s just a little too upbeat following Goodbye and Say Hello To Heaven. Nevertheless, this won’t prevent me from spinning the album again for it’s an instant classic and is one of the best records released in 2023. 

While Life Is Like A Song undoubtedly stands as a testament to Rogers' remarkable career, it also serves as an important reminder of his profound musical legacy. Rogers' ability to tell stories through his songs and evoke genuine emotions is showcased at its finest on this album and if there is a greater gift to Rogers’ fans, following his death, I know of none.

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