The Lovin' Side

1	For You 3:44
2	When I Touch You 3:57
3	I'm All the Man 3:50
4	Only You (And You Alone) 3:50
5	More Than You'll Ever Know 3:24
6	If I Lost You 3:48
7	Someone for Me 4:00
8	Can I Trust You With My Heart 3:32
9	When Something Is Wrong With My Baby 5:21
10	Between an Old Memory and Me 4:02
11	Nothing Short of Dying 3:51
12	Help Me Hold On 4:00
13	Anymore 3:47
14	Did You Fall Far Enough 4:36
15	Drift Off to Dream 5:15
16	She's Going Home With Me 3:35

Barnes & Noble

Travis Tritt is never more convincing than when he's belting out a good southern rock song, but this collection showcases a too-often-underrated aspect of his artistry. During the 1990-98 period showcased here, Tritt was writing and singing some of the decade's most powerful love ballads and heartbreakers, and employing strictly all-star caliber musicians to help seal the deal. The 16 tracks here include three chart-topping singles -- "Help Me Hold On," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," and "Anymore" -- and three other Top Ten entries, among them "More Than You'll Ever Know," a steady-rolling, acoustic-driven pledge of love that draws its power from the simmering passion in Tritt's voice. Unexpected treats include two cover songs: a credible reworking of the Platters classic "Only You" that appeared on the Sgt. Bilko soundtrack; and a sizzling, hot-blooded duet with Patti LaBelle on the Sam & Dave soul monument "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby," which has previously been available only on the 1994 concept album, Rhythm, Country and Blues. Whether it's tender sentiment or a roiling storm of emotion he's conveying (check out the anguished "Between an Old Memory and Me"), Tritt never sounds less than completely engaged in the moment. He's always dealt from the heart first, and that's why these songs will stand the test of time. David McGee

All Music Guide

In February of 2002, Warner/Rhino offered up two Travis Tritt compilations, one spotlighting his "Rockin' Side," the other his "Lovin' Side." Titles don't come much clearer than that, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that both compilations deliver on their promise without straying from their template. Because they stick to a theme, neither has all of his hits, but that's not a problem since the selected hits -- in this case, tunes like "Help Me Hold On" and "More Than You Will Ever Know" -- are surrounded by sharp selections from his albums, giving each compilation a surprisingly well-rounded feel. If The Lovin' Side isn't as successful as The Rockin' Side, it's because Tritt sounds more engaged on up-tempo material, and his ballads often aren't as compelling as his rockers, but it has to be said that this does sustain a smooth, romantic mood quite well. Note that this really does take "lovin'" seriously, meaning that honky tonk numbers (and big hits) like "Country Club" and "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)" are entirely absent, but those looking for either the "Rockin' Side" or "Lovin' Side" of Travis Tritt will find either volume satisfying. Stephen Thomas Erlewine