“I’ll Never Stop Loving You”
Gary Morris
Written by Dave Loggins and J.D. Martin
Radio & Records
#1 (1 week)
October 25, 1985
Billboard
#1 (1 week)
November 23, 1985
Gary Morris tops both charts with a signature tune that has held up well over time.
This is a tricky one to pull off. The song isn’t structured with a typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus. Instead, the title pops up regularly throughout the song, and Morris has to deliver the hook while navigating some very wordy verses. At other times, he has to sing the hook in a way that intertwines with the musicians, giving them space for their solos.
He also has to communicate that his love is unconditional while also insisting that he isn’t going to stay put, which doesn’t make for a sympathetic protagonist of a love song. Yet I believed every word. His sincerity shines through.
This could’ve been such a bombastic mess, but it’s surprisingly nuanced. Kudos to producer Jim Ed Norman, who did a great job putting together a track that gave Morris a chance to showcase the depth of his talent as a vocalist.
Grade: A
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I think revisiting every Gary Morris hit will always end with a “chance to showcase the depth of his talent as a vocalist.”
He was a once-in-a- generation singer who came from traditional country and gospel singing roots in Texas despite his inclination towards pop-country.
His soaring operatic tenor and vocal control allowed him to do what he does here so well which is bring a special brightness and bounciness to his music.
I love the clarity and confidence of his vocals here.
The sincerity comes from his confidence.
I love Gary Morris.
I love Gary Morris’ voice also. He never got his just ‘tho. Luckily he kept recording even after country radio stopped playing his records. So, we have a plethora of songs to listen to