Released in 1981, Ronnie Milsap’s thirteenth studio album, There’s No Gettin’ Over Me, is a remarkable collection of country and pop-infused tunes that showcase his signature blend of storytelling, soulful vocals, and impeccable musicianship.
As you listen to There’s No Gettin’ Over Me, you’ll find yourself singing along as you toe-tap and head-bop to the rhythm, for this album is thoroughly engaging and will touch your soul from the very first note to the last. The smoothness of the recording also plays a key role and it was recorded, mixed, and mastered beautifully. Yes, the edition available on Apple Music is merely the CD-quality counterpart, but don’t let that deter you for it is a mid-80s digital release that was done well.
Despite the success of There’s No Gettin’ Over Me, it hasn’t seen a reissue or re-release on any format for decades. Granted, there was a four-album double cd reissue in 2017, but I loathe those types of compilations. Yes, at 35 minutes, the album is short, but I would much prefer to have the albums separated and presented as they were originally intended. Nevertheless, that is what streaming services and digital download stores are perfectly suited to deliver. The unfortunate reality is that should a reissue be made available, such a release would likely be remastered and as any music fan can attest to, that can either be a success or a dismal failure. Plus, when a CD-quality stream sounds as lovely as this one does, I really don’t want to see it being modified. That all said, I would welcome a vinyl reissue at some stage for this is one album that needs to live on in the social consciousness beyond the hear today/gone tomorrow uncertainty of music streaming.
Everywhere I Turn (There's Your Memory) is an incredible opener. Milsap knocks it out of the park with this tune. While you may be thinking of it as being nothing more than crooner music and a Barry Manilow-styled song, I’d argue that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that style of music for Everywhere I Turn (There's Your Memory) is a vocal and sonic masterpiece.
(There's) No Gettin' Over Me was one of the most successful songs Milsap ever recorded and for good reason, it’s simply wonderful!
It's All I Can Do is a lovely tune and perfectly suited to the overall style of the album.
Two Hearts Don't Always Make A Pair is easy listening country music 101. A beautiful song!
Jesus Is Your Ticket To Heaven may be a little too preachy for many, but this is one seriously addictive tune that quickly merges into an earworm; a thoroughly enjoyable one I might add.
I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World is a singalong tune if there ever was one. Like many of the songs from There’s No Gettin’ Over Me, Milsap’s music is simply irresistible and if you can resist breaking into song, you’re more restrained than I am.
Too Big For Words is a beautiful vocal ballad. Milsap’s vocal is stunning and it’s album-only songs such as this that ensures this is a masterful album and landmark release.
It Happens Every Time (I Think Of You) is a little campy, but it is Ronnie Milsap and is therefore perfectly acceptable and is actually quite lovely; if you can get past the corniness of the song.
It's Written All Over Your Face is a lovely tune with a country twang. As I listen, I can’t help but wonder how it would sound had Willie Nelson recorded this song. That isn’t to suggest that I dislike Milsap’s version, but there are certain songs that when you listen to them, you can hear other artists performing them and this is one such example.
I Live My Whole Life At Night probably isn’t the strongest closer, for swapping it with It's Written All Over Your Face likely would have offered a more compelling reason to play the album again. Nevertheless, due to the record’s length, I find myself frequently playing the album on repeat and appreciating every minute. As solid as I Live My Whole Life At Night is, it is an album-only tune that is unlikely to be memorable, yet it simultaneously ensures the album as a whole remains thoroughly enjoyable.
Overall, There’s No Gettin’ Over Me remains a standout album in Ronnie Milsap’s illustrious career. With its mix of heartwarming ballads, upbeat tunes, and soulful performances, you’ll be swept into a musical wonderland that is most certainly one of the best albums released in 1981 and one of Milsap’s greatest recordings.