"Sam Neely" is Sam's latest album released in late 2002.

Sam still resides in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas where he spends most of his time recording and writing. He also likes to spend time doing the good things in life, which to him is spending time with his family, Bar-B-Q's and fishing. Well after forty years in the business who can blame him.

All the songs are written or co-written by Sam (with his son Jason being one of the co-writers), except for the covers of the Cat Stevens hit 'Father & Son' and Mickey Newbury's 'American Trilogy'.

"Old Irish" starts off the album with a story about a meeting with an old man who just wants a friendly ear, to listen to his stories and become a part of that persons day, without intruding into their life and quickly disappearing to become part of another persons day.

"Writing On The Wall", "You're Just Not In Love", "Everyday Lover" and "Next Time Around" are all songs about failed marriage and love affairs, where the love has gone and, although the signs are usually there, you are too blind to see them before it is too late. It somehow seems that Sam is explaining his own love life and sums it all up with "Chapter 22" which explains that everybody understands the beginning and middle of a relationship, but why isn't there a chapter at the end of the book that explains all the rules of making it last.

"They're In Love" is a love song about a young girl and a more experienced man falling in love, and although an unlikely pair and having their own doubts, who can say that it won't work. "Father & Son" needs no explanation, the Cat Stevens song, that is sung with great feeling by Sam and his son Jason. "This Ain't It" tells the story of a man searching for the right vocation in life but never sure if he has found it, or ever will.

"I'm Everybody" seems to tell the story that by looking into a persons eyes you can see their life in them and you are not alone with a problem. The album finishes with the "American Trilogy" which I think is a very good version.

This is a story album which I think is meant to reflect a lot about Sam's life and his philosophy, hence the title "Sam Neely" . He has a great country voice filled with feeling and emotion and the backing musicians are excellent and add an extra quality to the album.

A great album, expertly produced and I thoroughly enjoyed it

Website: www.taliesyn.com E Mail: SNeely1878@the-i.net