Album Review: Glen Campbell’ ‘Adiós’

A few years ago, when Glen Campbell was in the midst of his much publicized farewell tour, he and his wife Kim got the idea to head back into the studio for what would likely be the final time. Giving the singer’s public battle against Alzheimer’s Disease, the two realized that if there was any vocal magic to be drawn out of the Campbell well, they needed to get busy. So, they enlisted the one man who they knew would be able to help them in the way they needed – Carl Jackson. Having been hired by Campbell when he was eighteen years old, he turned out to be the perfect choice to steer the musical ship of Glen Travis Campbell.

Jackson championed Campbell in the studio, leading him through the recording process as only he could. Sometimes, that process was line by line….but when you hear these tracks – all songs that have been favorites of Glen’s over the years, it sounds like classic Glen Campbell. Few singers had the vocal style of the Delight, Arkansas native, and that talent is as evident as ever on this very special collection.

Many of the songs will no doubt be familiar to his longtime fans. “Funny How Time Slips Away” gets a beautiful treatment, along with a cameo appearance from its’ writer, Willie Nelson. He tips the hat to his longtime friend Jerry Reed on a sterling cover of “A Thing Called Love,” and sounds as traditional as he ever has on his take of George Jones’ “She Thinks I Still Care.”

As is the case with any Campbell record, there are several tracks that include the writing credit of Jimmy Webb. Of course, the dramatic “Adios” is sure to get much of the attention, given its’ title – and Glen’s passionate performance. But, of the four Webb cuts, perhaps the most poignant is a sobering version of “Postcard From Paris,” which includes his three children with wife Kim. If you can make it through these heartfelt lyrics, and not be moved by their emotion and bittersweet-ness, you need to check your heart – to make sure you have one.

Also moving – but for two different reasons, are the Roger Miller-written “Am I All Alone (Or Is It Only Me)” and the Jackson-penned “Arkansas Farmboy.” The former – which features Vince Gill adding his trademark harmony is sadly ironic, given Glen’s condition, but the emotion of the moment doesn’t prevent him from giving a performance for the ages, and the latter is a nostalgic look back at his formative years. The song may be the most moving of the lot here, because in spite of all that has happened, that boy from Delight, Arkansas achieved all of his boyhood dreams, and then some. And, thankfully, nothing will ever be able to change that. This is simply one you’ve got to hear – and hear again!

Pre-order your copy of Adiós HERE.