Introduction
" Used Heart for Sale" is the launching studio album by American c and w artist Gary Allan. Launched on September 24, 1996, by Decca Records Nashville, the album showcases Allan's unique voice and authentic country noise. The album includes ten tracks, consisting of four singles that have jointly added to Allan's credibility as a talented singer and songwriter in the c and w scene.
Background
Born in La Mirada, California, Gary Allan Herzberg, better known by his stage name Gary Allan, was exposed to country music at a young age by his daddy. He began his music career by playing in a band with his sibling and, ultimately, signed with Decca Records Nashville in 1996. "Used Heart for Sale" significant Allan's entry into the traditional c and w scene, and its blend of traditional and contemporary country elements has actually earned him a devoted fanbase.
Track Listing
1. "Send Back My Heart" (John Hiatt).
2. "Don't Leave Her Lonely Too Long" (Kostas, Melba Montgomery).
3. "Forever and a Day" (Gary Allan, John Hobbs, Gerry House, Devon O'Day).
4. "Living in a House Full of Love" (Glenn Sutton, Billy Sherrill).
5. "All I Had Going Is Gone" (Billy Yates, Bernie Nelson).
6. "Used Heart for Sale" (Gary Allan, Jeffrey Steele, Harrison Steel).
7. "Of All the Hearts" (Leroy Preston).
8. "From Where I'm Sitting" (Gary Allan, Rik Bertrand).
9. "Wine Me Up" (Faron Young, Billy Deaton, Deeton).
10. "Wake Up Screaming" (Gary Allan, Jaime O'Hara).
Chart Performance and Singles
" Used Heart for Sale" peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and its singles enjoyed moderate success on nation radio. The album's lead single, "Her Man", reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming Allan's first Top 10 hit. The song, written by Kent Robbins, portrays a male making every effort to end up being a much better individual for his partner.
The album's 2nd and third singles, "Living in a House Full of Love" and "From Where I'm Sitting", both written by Allan, reached No. 37 and No. 43 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, respectively. The last single, "Forever and a Day", co-written by Allan, peaked at No. 40.
Vital Reception
While "Used Heart for Sale" did not amass frustrating business success, the album got favorable reviews from critics who applauded Allan's vocals and songwriting abilities. Critics commended his modern-day take on conventional country music, keeping in mind that his soulful voice and emotional lyrics made the album stand out.
Maria Konicki Dinoia of AllMusic offered the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing that Allan's "unique voice and fresh technique" brought "new life to c and w". She highlighted the tracks "Her Man", "Used Heart for Sale", and "Living in a House Full of Love" as standout cuts, showcasing Allan's range as a performer.
Legacy and Conclusion
Although "Used Heart for Sale" did not attain enormous commercial success, it developed Gary Allan's presence in the c and w scene as a skilled vocalist and songwriter. With its powerful blend of conventional and modern-day nation sounds, the album laid the structure for Allan's future musical ventures. Throughout the years, Allan has continued to develop his craft and has become an essential in the country music industry, attaining higher success with subsequent albums.
Artist: Gary Allan
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