Vince Gill has a deeply cherished discography. From “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” to “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” Gill’s songs have been in the hearts of country fans and beyond for decades.
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While keeping with his country roots, Gill isn’t afraid to experiment with different sides of the genre. He isn’t choosy with his releases either, having shared more than 20 studio albums throughout his tenure. Given both of those facts, there are a number of songs that have escaped even the most devoted Gill fan. Check out five of his lesser-known gems below.
1. “Everybody’s Sweetheart”
Gill shared this toe-tapper in 1987 on the album The Way Back Home. “Everybody’s Sweetheart” sees Gill lean heavily into his bluegrass roots with a jaunty guitar line and an equally driving kick drum. Lyrically, the song is a musing about heartbreak that is made sweeter with some honky tonk flavors. It’s classic Gill material – and who couldn’t use more of that?
I used to be the first in line
Now I’ve fallen way behind
She’s everybody’s sweetheart
Everybody’s sweetheart but mine
2. “One Dance With You”
Keeping the same tempo, “One Dance With You” is taken from Gill’s lauded High Lonesome Sound album. Gill ventures into the blues with this one, crooning overtop a soulful guitar solo and a shuffling piano. Aptly, the song is perfect for grabbing a partner to float around the dance floor with.
She ain’t no Peggy Sue or sweet Mary Lou
She ain’t no Maybelline or pretty miss Norma Jean
But I’d give up everything for just one dance with you
3. “This Old Guitar and Me”
Slowing things down for a ballad, Gill recounts his road to stardom in “This Old Guitar and Me.” He remembers his parents’ faces when he first mustered up the courage to tell them he wanted to pursue a career in music. He remembers lonely nights out on the road when his only companion was an old Martin. He finishes the song with a line about settling down, retiring the guitar and teaching his children about music. It’s a touching sentiment made even more so with Gill’s singular vocals.
Well, now my dearest old companion
Lies underneath my bed
Well, our travellin’ days are over
Man, but the memories fill my head
4. “Nobody’s Fool But Yours” (feat. Paul Franklin)
“Nobody’s Fool But Yours” was originally written and released by Buck Owens in 1962. Gill shared his own version of the song in 2013 alongside multi-instrumentalist Paul Franklin. Gill has a knack for delivering both contemporary country offerings and more classic ones. His voice lends itself well to pedal steel-driven, Opry-esque songs. “Nobody’s Fool But Yours” acts as an example of that assertion.
They say for everybody there is a fool
And that’s the way it’s always been between me and you
Anytime you’re ready to treat me like a friend
‘Cause you know that I’m just fool enough to take you back again.
5. “Turn Me Loose”
Released in 1994, “Turn Me Loose” verges on West Coast rock a la the Eagles (which foreshadows his later involvement with the outfit). If it weren’t for Gill’s inherent twang, this song could be dropped in a “yacht rock” playlist and no one would suspect a thing. Gill isn’t afraid to try different flavors of country music on for size, resulting in unsuspecting bangers like this one.
You better turn me loose
Turn me loose you know that I can’t stay
You better turn me loose
Well turn me loose you know I’ll make it anyway
Photo by Catherine Powell / Courtesy Essential Broadcast Media
