Amazon.com Gene Watson's heyday stretched from the mid 1970s to the late 1980s when hits like "Fourteen Carat Mind" proclaimed his gifts to the world. On this, his first new album in several years, Watson's burnished, searing voice remains a model of traditionalist integrity, one he and coproducer Ray Pennington ably apply to a mix of material. "Next to Nothin'" mixes longing, pain, and anxiety in a package worthy of (or perhaps too good for) radio airplay. Watson's versatility remains an asset. His sweetly romantic side embraces "She Had Me," balanced by the acerbically witty "No Trash in My Trailer." "Would It Be Cheatin'" equals any contemporary power ballad. It's no surprise that Watson makes both Boudleaux Bryant's classic ballad "Take Me As I Am or Let Me Go" and Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors" his own. With pedal steel great Buddy Emmons making a rare recording-session appearance, Watson reveals himself equal to anyone in today's Top 10. --Rich Kienzle Product description CD