AMG Review of Can't Back Down

Maria Konicki Dinoia
All Music Guide

Since his debut on the charts with 1991's "Love, Me," Raye founded his career with songs that blend social issues with sentiment. Can't Back Down is in much the same vein, alternating between broken hearts and perseverance. In this visceral collection, fans will find such timely songs as "Ain't Nobody Gonna Take That From Me," about holding memories, pride, and feelings deep inside our hearts, and "What I Need," about a man who prays for strength, courage, and faith, but gets them by overcoming pain, fear, and emptiness. The tenor vocalist also includes some rhythmic grooves and country rockers on this fluctuating album. "Gypsy Honeymoon" is reminiscent of "I Think About You," and "Young as We're Ever Gonna Be" is an ode to the fountain of youth. Fans will come to love and appreciate this eighth album, co-produced by James Stroud and Raye himself.