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One Voice By David Batterson My introduction to Billy Gilman--like many others--was when I saw/heard his remarkable "Roly Poly" rendition. As I don't generally listen to that much country music, I forgot about him until his appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." I am so thankful I watched Leno that night. At that time I knew nothing about the "One Voice" single and I hadn't seen the video. So I didn't know what the song was about. But it didn't matter as it totally blew me away and had me in tears before he was halfway through. I knew then that Billy was someone quite special-- a major talent being thrust upon the world. I bought the CD and soon discovered that Billy is definatley not a one-hit wonder--like so many singers over the years have turned outt o be. Billy is already an artist, and he will only get better. He has a gift, and he knows where it comes from. In his "Thank You" liner notes, he ends with "P.S. Thank you God for this gift." The "One Voice" CD album consists of 10 tracks and a bonus one; it is produced by heavyweights Blake Chancey, Don Cook and David Malloy. They put together a wonderful collection of songs, backed up by exquisite Nashville musicians and backup singers. The first song people will listen to on the album--I was no exception--is "One Voice," by David Malloy and Don Cook. It's a song that moves you not matter how times you hear it. It seems to be a simple song, but illy hits you with a ton of bricks when he sings it. When you have finished hearing it, it doesn't matter if you are a religious person or not, you will be deeply moved. If not, you better check your pulse because you might be dead. My second fave song on the album is a tie: "Oklahoma" and "Spend Another Night." I was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, so "Oklahoma" instantly caught my attention. Again, I had no idea of its content, but once again, it didn't matter. Billy has you involved from the first few words of "Oklahoma." And once again, before the end you are reaching for the tissue box, as you can visualize what's happening as if you're watching a video or movie. "Spend Another Night" by David Malloy and Skip Ewing is a beautiful love song. You might think a boy 12 years old [actually 11 when it was recorded] couldn't possibly find the maturity and emotional commitment to sing such a song. You would be completely wrong. Billy sings this song as if he were a man of 40. It is an incredible performance. When he sings "There's no denying that I love you" in one part, it is powerful, breathtaking and 100 percent believable. "The Snake Song" is a ctue and funny song about a snake falling in love with a garden hose; it gave me a good laugh. "There's a Hero" (1987) is another inspirational and motiviational song that covers familiar territory. It conveys what we need to hear more often, that we all have the power and ability to do so much more with our lives: "Go on and trust yourself Cause you can ride the wind You're gonna take your dreams Where they've never been." "Little Things" (written by Bobby Goldsboro in 1964), "Little  Bitty Pretty One" (a 1957 song) and "I Wanna Get To Ya" are fun and bouncy, but were not among my favorites. "I Think She Likes Me" is the type of song most of us can relate to: either it's reality or just wishful thinking on your part about another person you're attracted to. "What's Forever For" is a 1978 song we've heard many times over the years. Billy does a very pleasant version of it, and you won't be disappointed. The album's bonus cut is "'Til I Can Make It On My Own," the inspirational song written by George Richey, Billy Sherrill and Tammy Wynette in 1976. When Billy finishes singing it, you think that he was the one who wrote it. The overall theme of "One Voice" in my view is basic: love, caring, fun and belief in oneself. These are universal values that serve us well. I give "One Voice" five stars out of five, and I can't wait for the next CD.
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