Marty Stuart - Let There Be Country (1992)

This early recording gives a clear idea of just who Marty Stuart is. Without all the hype and over production of many of the MCA recordings, Let There Be Country displays Stuart's traditional hillbilly bent. Only his 1982 Sugar Hill debut, Busy Bee Cafe, defines him better. Self-produced, it is obvious that the artist knows what he is doing in terms of material and performance. With the inclusion of only two original songs, the rest of the tunes are strong statements by Stuart concerning country music. Merle Haggard's "Mirrors Don't Lie" is strong evidence of Stuart's affiliations. Also good is Bill Monroe's "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray." Stuart's version of the Johnny Horton hit "One Woman Man" is priceless and the sincere sweetness he reflects on the Harlan Howard-Max D. Barnes number "I'll Love You Forever (If You Want Me To)" is stunning. A worthy addition to any Stuart collection. © Jana Pendragon /TiVo