All I Want by Tim McGraw (CD, Sep-1995, and similar items

**Review of "All I Want" by Tim McGraw (Released September 1995, Curb Records)** **Introduction** Tim McGraw's third studio album, "All I Want," continues to build on the formula of catchy hooks and heartfelt storytelling that made his earlier work stand out. Released in September 1995 by Curb Records, the album showcases McGraw's evolution as a country artist, with a blend of up-tempo tracks and emotional ballads that explore themes of love, life, and personal reflection. **Album Overview** "All I Want" solidified Tim McGraw's place in the country music scene of the '90s, following the massive success of his previous album, "Not a Moment Too Soon." The album opens with the energetic and optimistic "She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart," which immediately sets a lively tone. McGraw?s vocals are confident and persuasive, paired with vibrant instrumentation that's typical of '90s country music. **Track-by-Track Analysis** 1. **All I Want Is a Life** - This track serves as a powerful opener with its driving beat and aspirational lyrics. It's a song about wanting more from life and sets the stage for an album that deals heavily with personal desires and ambitions. 2. **She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart** - As the lead single, this song is catchy and upbeat, showcasing McGraw's ability to blend pop sensibilities with country flair. It?s a feel-good track that highlights his vocal strengths and lyrical simplicity. 3. **Can't Be Really Gone** - Here, McGraw slows down to deliver a more introspective and tender ballad. The song?s narrative about lingering memories of a past lover showcases his ability to convey deep emotion, making it a standout track on the album. 4. **Maybe We Should Just Sleep on It** - Returning to a more upbeat tempo, this song deals with the complexities of relationships and the idea of taking a moment to pause and reflect before making significant decisions. 5. **I Didn't Ask and She Didn't Say** - This track explores themes of unspoken truths and regrets in a relationship. McGraw's emotive delivery pairs well with the song?s reflective lyrics. 6. **Renegade** - Featuring a more rugged sound, "Renegade" taps into a narrative of living on the edge and defying norms, adding a touch of rebellion to the album. 7. **I Like It, I Love It** - Arguably the most recognizable track on the album, this song is an exuberant expression of love and desire. It became a major hit and is often associated with McGraw?s signature sound. 8. **The Great Divide** - A soulful ballad that speaks to the heartaches and healing power of love, it?s a beautifully crafted song that resonates with anyone who has experienced a deep emotional rift. 9. **You Got the Wrong Man** - Taking a lighter approach, this song uses humor and a bit of self-deprecation to address relationship misunderstandings. 10. **Don't Mention Memphis** - Another emotional ballad, it explores the pain of memories tied to particular places, delivering a poignant narrative through McGraw's expressive vocals. 11. **When She Wakes Up (And Finds Me Gone)** - A narrative about departure and the consequences of leaving, this song adds depth to the album's exploration of relationship dynamics. 12. **That's Just Me** - This closing track is a reflective piece, where McGraw sings about personal identity and staying true to oneself, making it a fitting end to an album that's very much about personal exploration. **Production and Musicality** The production of "All I Want" is polished, with each track crisply produced to highlight McGraw's vocal prowess and the accompaniment of traditional country instruments like the guitar, fiddle, and drums. The album benefits from a mix of ballads and faster-paced songs, providing a dynamic listening experience. **Impact and Legacy** "All I Want" went on to be a significant success, achieving multi-platinum status and further establishing Tim McGraw as a key figure in country music. The album's blend of relatable lyrics and engaging melodies not only resonated with fans but also helped shape the direction of country music in the '90s. **Conclusion** Tim McGraw's "All I Want" is a compelling mix of emotional depth and catchy tunes that captures the essence of '90s country music. With this album, McGraw not only continued his streak of hits but also demonstrated his versatility as an artist capable of delivering both upbeat anthems and poignant ballads. The album remains a significant part of McGraw's discography and a testament to his enduring appeal in the country music genre.