"Love the World Away" by Kenny Rogers

Song#:  0227
Date:  06/21/1980
Debut:  44
Peak:  14
Weeks:  12
Genre:  Pop, Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  This song was featured on the "Urban Cowboy" soundtrack and was the third chart song from the album. Although the song started off with a bang, entering almost within the Top 40, it couldn't quite reach the Top 10. It ended Rogers' streak of four straight pop Top 10's and although it reached #4 on the country chart, it was his lowest charting single there in three years. But it would be a very, very minor slump as his next chart hit would be the biggest of his career.

ReduxReview:  When Rogers happened upon a quality crossover ballad, it worked well for him. Although the arrangement is a little sticky in late-70s AC/country syrup, it isn't too overwhelming and the song survives just fine. It's a strong song and he performs it well.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Rogers' first Top 10 hit was with his group The First Edition in 1968. The psychedelic "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" was a departure from the group's typical country-based sound and reached #5 on the pop chart. The song, written by Mickey Newbury, was about an LSD trip and was meant to be a warning about drug use. Jerry Lee Lewis actually recorded it first in 1967, but he ended up not putting it out as a single, which was a lucky break for The First Edition. Glen Campbell also plays guitar on the recording.

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