"I smell smoke, that's my old flame" is the clever hook that jumpstarts the honky-tonk number "I Smell Smoke." It's also a very quick song (after only 46 seconds, it's already into the second chorus), but it crams a lot of delight into its three brief verses. The Melba Montgomery co-write "Honky Tonk Baby," later a minor hit from Ricochet's unreleased What a Ride album, is another song that relies on short verses and a straight-up production to work its way into your head. If you want yet another quick yet solid song, check out "When the Walls Come Tumbling Down" (the third and final single) for a nicely uncluttered look at wanting to fall in love with someone who maybe isn't ready. Then there's the weirdly-titled "Long Neck Connected to the Beer Joint," one of the many "upbeat heartache"-type songs and no doubt the inspiration for Tracy Byrd's similarly-themed "Drinkin' Bone."
Yates also includes his original version of "Choices," which would become a minor hit for George Jones two years later. Even if it doesn't have quite the same level of introspection and maturity that an older voice gives (Jones was 61 when he released his version; Yates was 34 when the album came out), the stellar lyrics and hardcore neo-trad production hold true to both the original and Yates' cover. "Mama Said" is similarly emotional in all the right ways, with a mellow melody and effective storytelling (including themes of parental separation and failed love) all tied into the reassuring "mama said there'd be days like this."
"Goodbye Makes the Saddest Sound" uses all the right imagery: a slamming door and ticking clock lead into the title line, and the theme holds up through the second verse when he mentions the memories and words in his head. Of course, it's strengthened by a slow, waltzing melody and crying steel (yes, it's John Hughey) — it's really quite a sight to see Ricochet lead singer Heath Wright's name on this song! If you want an Mavericks-esque "Would You Believe Me If I Lied," co-written with Kostas, turns lyin' and cheatin' on its head by having the narrator tell a truth that isn't believed, then asking if a lie would be better.
"Broken Hearted Me" is a slow, soft number about a broken heart, with a killer Joe Nichols-esque vocal and more tasteful crying steel. "Easier Said Than Done" might be a little further along in that same failed relationship, at the point where walking away and forgetting all about her seems so easy but it really isn't.
The closer is also the album's biggest hit, "Flowers," a song that may be recognized either through Yates' original or Chris Young's cover on his debut album. Here, "should have"s pile up; he should have bought her roses, but he was hanging out in bars. Now he's all cleaned up, but it's far too late; he's lost her in a drunk-driving accident that he caused. "Look what it took / For me to finally bring you flowers," he sings, drawing the song to an emotional climax without overpowering it, just singing straight-up sadness and regret. It's the strongest song on the album, which is saying a lot.
The late 1990s are littered with some fairly above-average debut albums from artists who maybe got one or two small hits, but never broke through in a crowded market. It's unfortunate that Billy Yates had to be one of those artists, but at least he's gotten a couple cuts here and there to keep his name around. Shawn Camp recently made a little bit of noise with the re-release of his fine albums for Reprise, and even though it's not being re-released, Billy Yates should be just as pleasing to anyone who liked those discs (including me).
You can purchase a copy of this album from sellers at Amazon.
This album review is part of our Album Archive: Billy Yates series. Click the image below to find a brief biography of Billy Yates and a whole list of his album archive.
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