Hollywood, Tennessee
Crystal Gayle · 1981
27 min · 10 tracks · country music
A blend of heartfelt country melodies and poignant lyrics that resonate with themes of love and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ain't No Sunshine — This cover stands out for its emotional delivery, transforming the original's melancholy into a soulful country interpretation that highlights Gayle's vocal range.
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The Woman in Me — This track embodies the empowering spirit of women and showcases Gayle's ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary themes.
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Livin' in These Troubled Times — With its reflective lyrics and cautious optimism, this song captures the societal tensions of the early '80s, making it particularly relevant to listeners then and now.
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Keepin' Power Start here — The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus create an uplifting anthem about perseverance that aligns perfectly with Gayle's signature style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track and maintains a consistent tempo throughout the first half before introducing slower ballads in the latter half.
- Several tracks feature prominent piano arrangements that complement Gayle's vocal delivery, particularly on emotional pieces like 'You Never Gave Up on Me'.
- The sequencing includes a cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine' placed third, which shifts the mood significantly and showcases Gayle's interpretative style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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6/10
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
- concise emotional storytelling journey
- uplifting tracks for shared moments
- reflective melodies for quiet afternoons
- heartfelt anthems with sing-along potential
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — A solid entry in her catalog that resonates with dedicated fans.
- Themes
- Hollywood dreams· troubled times reflection· women's empowerment
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Hollywood, Tennessee was Crystal Gayle's seventh studio album, following her breakthrough with the chart-topping 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue' in 1977. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a crossover artist, appealing to both country and pop audiences while showcasing her distinctive voice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Linda Ronstadt· Emmylou Harris· Kacey Musgraves
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Livin' in These Troubled Times
The narrative shifts from personal struggle to collective hope through vivid imagery of community resilience amid adversity.
Tracklist
- 1 Keepin' Power Start here 3:09
- 2 The Woman in Me 2:32
- 3 Ain't No Sunshine 3:31
- 4 You Never Gave Up on Me 3:13
- 5 Hollywood 2:30
- 6 Livin' in These Troubled Times 3:17
- 7 Love, Crazy Love 2:41
- 8 Lean on Me 2:44
- 9 Crying in the Rain 2:20
- 10 Tennessee 1:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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