Kenny Rogers is one of the all-time greats

This album was Kenny's first for Reprise records as a solo singer (he was signed to the label in the 60's with his country-pop group, First Edition). He had just left RCA records (and EMI/UA before them). His highly successful career was not without critics, however. The single off this album "Planet Texas" was perhaps his least successful single ever and it was called a "joke" by serious music critics (who obviously missed the point, it WAS a joke/novelty song).

Still Rogers has made a habit of surviving and after than minor hiccup this album went on to be his 25th top 30 album.

This album presents Rogers on top form (as ever) with wonderful ballads "The vows go unbroken (always true to you)", "Maybe" (a duet with fellow country singer, Holly Dunn), "Love the way you do" and more.

The cover of Labi Siffie's "Something Inside So Strong" (the albums title cut) improves upon the good original version that was inspired by the free Nelson Madella campaign.

In short, this album is typical Kenny Rogers and that can never be a bad thing.

Memories

I remember this album well. When I was growing up, my parents would drive me up to our cottage and we would play this cassette in the car. I remember that I fell in love with Kenny's voice and these songs were so powerful to me, even at the young age of six or seven I felt inspired by this music. It is truly my favorite Kenny Rogers album, even though it is not his usual country style music. 12 years later I have come back to this album, and I smile when I remember those days of listening to the cassette of this very album. The title track "Something Inside So Strong" is a very empowering inspirational theme, it puts a lump in your throat. The duet with Anne Murray, "If I Ever Fall In Love Again", is a beautiful ballad which deserved more recognition that it got. "When You Put Your Heart In It" is a beautiful inspirational song. Other mentionable songs include If I Knew Then What I Know Now, the duet with Gladys Knight, There Lies The Difference, and Planet Texas. Although the whole album is completely enjoyable. I highly reccomend this album, its the perfect album for any mood you are in.

Strong Effort

On SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG Kenny Rogers has created an album with some of his most memorable material in my opinion. From the stunning duet with Anne Murray called "If I Ever Fall In Love Again", which was sadly ignored by country radio, to the beautiful duet with Holly Dunn called "Maybe", this is a great album. With this album Kenny slowly moved back into country music after experimenting with pop for a bit. Another duet on the album is the great "If I Knew Then What I Know Now", with Gladys Knight. Sounds like a bad match but Kenny could sing a duet with any female artist in my opinion, he has one of those beautiful voices which compliments other singer's voices. As well there are beautiful, inspiring songs such as the title track, which is an uplifting anthem of never giving up in the face of challenges. And the theme for the '88 Olympics, "When You Put Your Heart In It", is another beautiful inspirational song. "One Night" and "The Vows Go Unbroken (Always True To You)" are both beautiful declarations of love. The whole album is a consistently good effort of good material, this album is difficult to find but its worth the effort to find it.