You Can't Make Old Friends
The rough-edged caress of Kenny Rogers’ voice has earned him legions of fans for nearly half a century. *You Can’t Make Old Friends* is an impressive return to form by this much-loved veteran, offering tunes to please fans of his trademark balladry while venturing into some fresh terrain. At 75, Rogers remains a masterful singer and an astute judge of material. Such renowned Nashville tunesmiths as Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, and Casey Beathard contribute songs to this set, giving Kenny the chance to turn on his smoky romantic charm (“Look at You”), salute the everyday virtues of his native land (“’Merica”), and paint a Spanish-tinged portrait of an immigrant’s experience (“Dreams of the San Joaquin\"). He unleashes his well-seasoned growl on the rootsy “It’s Gonna Be Easy Now” and kicks up his heels in tandem with accordion legend Buckwheat Zydeco on the Cajun-accented “Don’t Leave Me in the Night.” Dolly Parton duets on the title track, a wistfully nostalgic number that celebrates the ties that survive life itself. Overall, *You Can’t Make Old Friends* shows warmth and graciousness.