Barnes & Noble
Though recorded in the late '80s, Let There Be Country wasn't released until 1992, by which time the expert country-rocker was at the top of his popular success. is an eclectic but cohesive group of tunes that showcase Stuart's background in bluegrass as well as his affinity for rock. Let There Be Country opens with a rollicking statement of Marty Stuart's bluegrass, rock, and country roots in the title track. He follows with the stone-country barroom tale "Mirrors Don't Lie." Stuart plays with words to reveal emotions on "Matches" and cuts loose with a bluegrass instrumental on "Old Hat." As he sings on the title track, Stuart was indeed "breakin' new ground for the future." Kerry Dexter
All Music Guide
This early recording gives a clear idea of just who Marty Stuart is. Without all the hype and over production of many of the MCA recordings, Let There Be Country displays Stuart's traditional hillbilly bent. Only his 1982 Sugar Hill debut, Busy Bee Cafe, defines him better. Self-produced, it is obvious that the artist knows what he is doing in terms of material and performance. With the inclusion of only two original songs, the rest of the tunes are strong statements by Stuart concerning country music. Merle Haggard's "Mirrors Don't Lie" is strong evidence of Stuart's affiliations. Also good is Bill Monroe's "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray." Stuart's version of the Johnny Horton hit "One Woman Man" is priceless and the sincere sweetness he reflects on the Harlan Howard-Max D. Barnes number "I'll Love You Forever (If You Want Me To)" is stunning. A worthy addition to any Stuart collection. Jana Pendragon