CD Review: Collin Raye “Never Going Back” (New Release)

It’s been four years since Collin Raye released a full CD with all new music.   Raye emerged on the country music scene in 1991 with his unforgettable hit Love, Me.   Since that time he has had five certified platinum albums, 24 top ten hits, and 15 #1 hits. 

After an 18 year career, he is still going strong.  His new CD Never Going Back is one of his best to date.  It is a testament to his versatility and his staying power as an artist.   

Raye returned to his roots in the making of this CD.   Never Going Back is a mixture of southern rock, a little jazz, a little blues, and a little contemporary Christian. 

The first single released from the CD is Mid-Life Chrysler.  It’s an upbeat rockin tune about a man comfortable with his life and still in love with his wife after twenty five years of marriage.  The sound is reminiscent of the southern rock of legendary ZZ Top. 

Click Below to Listen to Mid-Life Chrysler

Raye continues rockin with Stuck In the Middle With You.  He gets a little bluesy with the title song Never Going Back.  In the following interview Raye talks about the significance of the title song.

With past hits such as I Can Still Feel You, What the Heart Wants, The Gift and Love Me, Raye has built a reputation for bringing love songs to life.   He shows that no one can do it better with Take Care of You and Don’t Tell Me You’re Not In Love.  Raye reunites with Susan Ashton (The Gift) for a powerful duet to reprise Without You.

Never Going Back is perhaps one of the most personal CDs that Collin Raye has recorded.  Raye wrote or co-wrote three out of the fourteen songs on the CD including the title song Never Going Back.  The most personal track She’s With Me was written by Raye as a loving tribute to his granddaughter Haley, who has a neurological condition and is physically challenged.  

Never Going Back is solid from beginning to end.  Collin Raye has done himself proud with this one.  It is a must have for your music collection!