Guitar Slinger (Deluxe Version)

Vince Gill's superlative work in the ‘80s and ‘90s remains a high standard to reach, but he exceeds expectations on Guitar Slinger, his first release since 2006’s four-disc These Days. Judging by these tunes (all written or cowritten by Gill), lasting love, family life, and mortality have lately been on his mind. All of the above are addressed eloquently in “Threaten Me with Heaven,” an aching ballad that ranks among his finest compositions. The upbeat shuffle “Tell Me Fool” and the satin-smooth ballad “True Love” (a duet with wife Amy Grant) similarly have the feel of newly minted classics. Gill offers up rowdy ‘50s-style rock (the title tune), old-fashioned country gospel (“Bread and Water”), and southern R&B (“When the Lady Sings the Blues”) with an easy confidence. He especially shines with vivid character-filled songs like “The Old Lucky Diamond Motel” and “Billy Paul.” Renewing his romantic credentials, he delivers “Who Wouldn’t Fall in Love with You” with slow-burning passion. When it comes to musical finesse and pure feeling, nobody does it like Vince.