Don't Go Near the Water
Sammy Kershaw · 1991
32 min · 10 tracks · country music
A blend of traditional country storytelling and honky-tonk rhythms, reflecting the emotional landscapes of love and loss.
Top tracks — play these first
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Don't Go Near the Water — This track serves as the thematic centerpiece of the album, discussing the emotional fallout of love lost through vivid imagery and relatable storytelling.
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Cadillac Style — With its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics, this song captures Kershaw's playful side while showcasing his ability to blend humor with heartfelt sentiment.
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Real Old-Fashioned Broken Heart — The poignant lyrics and classic country instrumentation highlight Kershaw's strong vocal delivery, making it a standout track that encapsulates the album's emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and traditional country elements but lacks standout innovation.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature prominent steel guitar and fiddle arrangements, characteristic of traditional country music.
- The title track is positioned second in the sequence, which helps maintain momentum after the opening song.
- Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of love and loss, with storytelling elements that are common in country music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of heartfelt storytelling
- lighthearted humor with emotional depth
- for casual gatherings
- nostalgic reflections on love lost
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy epics
- prefer modern, polished production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 8, 1991, Don't Go Near the Water was Sammy Kershaw's debut album, marking his entry into the country music scene. It came at a time when Kershaw was establishing himself as a prominent voice in the genre, following years of performing in local venues and honing his craft.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Travis Tritt· Joe Diffie· Mark Chesnutt
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Real Old-Fashioned Broken Heart 3:24
- 2 Don't Go Near the Water 3:07
- 3 I Buy Her Roses 3:54
- 4 Cadillac Style 2:55
- 5 Kickin' In 3:23
- 6 What Am I Worth 2:29
- 7 Yard Sale 3:29
- 8 Anywhere but Here 2:30
- 9 Every Third Monday 2:49
- 10 Harbor for a Lonely Heart 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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