Every No. 1 Country Single of the Eighties: Don Williams, “Falling Again”

“Falling Again”

Don Williams

Written by Bob McDill

Radio & Records

#1 (1 week)

April 24, 1981

After topping the charts with “I Believe in You,” Don Williams repeated the feat on the Radio & Records listing with the second single from his CMA Album of the Year winner.

It has the same calm and measured approach as its predecessor, with a thoughtful lyric given a typically nuanced vocal performance.  Garth Fundis may be most associated with Trisha Yearwood, but before he paired up with her, he was at the helm of most of Don Williams’ records.  Fundis works best with singers who are able to interpret material without unnecessary vocal histrionics, and Williams is one of the greats in this regard.

This could’ve been a very melodramatic record, with Williams wallowing in self-pity about his inability to let himself heal before falling in love again. Instead, it’s light and breezy, with Williams indicating that this particular vice of his is a lot more enjoyable than he wants to let on.

Williams followed “Falling Again” with “Miracles,” the top five lead single from his next album, Especially For You.  It was followed by two more singles from that album, both of which went No. 1.

“Falling Again” gets a B+.

Every No. 1 Single of the Eighties

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2 Comments

  1. Man, I just love Don Williams sound. This song like most of his material is so relaxing. The “I Believe In You” album I recommend to everyone. Not only do you get the excellent singles but also top rate materiel. “It’s Good to See You”, “Ain’t It Amazing”, “I Keep Putting Off Getting Over You” and “Rainy Nights and Memories” are songs I love just as much as the singles.

  2. Commenting on Don Wiliams’ hits in the eighties feels a lot like commenting on George Strait’s chart-toppers in the ’90s. I just run out of superlatives. Williams is in complete command of his sound and he is so sure of his style. Confidence and comfort sound like Don Williams.

    It doesn’t hurt either when Bob McDill is the songwriter.

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