Album: Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am

Introduction
" Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am" is a studio album by American country music artist Randy Travis, launched on October 1, 2013. As the name recommends, the album is the first installation in a series commemorating the vocalists, songwriters, and musicians who have actually influenced Travis throughout his career. Including a collection of traditional country tunes and a couple of initial tunes, "Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am" is a genuine project that showcases Travis' indisputable skill for putting his own special stamp on the genre.

Background and Concept
Randy Travis has been widely regarded as one of the most essential figures in c and w for more than 3 decades. Having offered over 25 million records and with 22 top hits under his belt, Travis has actually firmly developed himself as a genuine c and w legend. In "Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am", Travis goes back to his musical roots by providing a genuine and sincere homage to the artists who have actually influenced him throughout his profession.

The album features a varied choice of tunes initially penned and performed by a few of the most legendary artists on the planet of c and w, including George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. Travis puts his own unique spin on these classic tunes, breathing new life into them while at the same time showcasing his immense skill and respect for the original artists.

Track List
" Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am" includes 13 impressive tracks that admire the artists who have considerably shaped Travis' musical identity. The tracklist consists of:

1. "Someday We'll Look Back" (originally by Merle Haggard).
2. "Big Butter and Egg Man" (initially by Louis Armstrong).
3. "What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana" (originally by Merle Haggard).
4. "Ever-Changing Woman" (initially by Waylon Jennings).
5. "Pennies from Heaven" (originally by Bing Crosby).
6. "Thanks a Lot" (originally by Ernest Tubb).
7. "Trouble in Mind" (initially by Richard M. Jones).
8. "My Mary" (originally by Merle Haggard).
9. "Saginaw, Michigan" (initially by Lefty Frizzell).
10. "I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall" (initially by Merle Haggard).
11. "You Asked Me To" (originally by Waylon Jennings).
12. "Why Baby Why" (originally by George Jones).
13. "Tonight I'm Playing Possum" (a new initial song by Travis, committed to George Jones).

Reception and Legacy
" Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am" received normally positive evaluations from music critics, who applauded Travis' capability to revive traditional nation songs while still preserving the essence of the initial recordings. The album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was hailed as a welcome recover for Travis, who had been reasonably peaceful on the music scene for numerous years prior to its release.

Unfortunately, simply a few months after the release of the album, Travis suffered an extreme stroke that left him unable to stroll and speak for some time. While his recovery continues to be a sluggish process, "Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am" stands as an excellent testament to the artist's withstanding skill and love for the category of c and w.