One Voice
Released in June of 2000, One Voice was the debut album of singing sensation Billy Gilman, appearing soon after his show stopping performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Going platinum a mere three weeks after its release mostly on the strength of the title track, One Voice rocketed eleven-year-old Billy Gilman to stardom and put his face on millions of television sets as his music videos circulated. His debut single hit the top 20 of the country singles charts and the followup "Oklahoma" hit the top 40, making Billy the youngest artist since Brenda Lee to chart a single on the country charts.
The album itself was a collaborative effort of veteran Nashville songwriters and producers Don Cook, David Malloy, and Blake Chancey. It was heavy on remakes of old classics like "Little Bitty Pretty One," "Little Things," "What's Forever For" and "'Til I Can Make It On My Own." Through it all, Billy's rich and buoyant voice leads the charge, being appropriately jubilant and somber when it's required. His lilting performances of songs like "I Think She Likes Me" and "I Wanna Get To Ya" give the album a sassy, joyous tone that immediately engages the listener. And no boylover with a beating heart can resist tearing up during Billy's heart rending performance of "Oklahoma," the story of a child in search of a father and his joy in finally finding one.
All in all, the album is a triumph, showcasing a budding young talent at his prepubescent vocal peak. It has equal amounts of high points and softer ones, both rocking country numbers and touching ballads. The songs, while not entirely original, are performed with vigor and enthusiasm by young Billy and all come across polished and professional. It's a good listen, and an album you'll want to bring out and listen to again and again.
