Vince Gill - "Threaten Me With Heaven"
By: Matt Bjorke
Five years ago Vince Gill released an expansive and epic collection of music called These Days. The four discs presented contained all new music and explored the various levels of country music from the bluesy side, to the rocking side, to the traditional rootsy side to the jazzy side of it. They all formed a cohesive piece of work that would take other artists a lifetime to make.
While five years is normally a very, very long time to go between records, Vince Gill’s choice to wait was probably a smart one.
With the hiatus over, Vince Gill is back with “Threaten Me With Heaven,” a poignant new song that feels like a partner to join “Go Rest High On That Mountain” as a great song about facing death down with lyrics like:
“What’s the worst thing that could happen if they say my time is through/ Can they take away the love or the years I’ve shared with you/ What’s the worst thing that could happen, what’s the worst that they can do/ Threaten me with heaven, that’s all they can do.”
Written with wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley, “Threaten Me With Heaven” features a forceful vocal from Vince Gill that’s as good as anything he’s released over the course of his career while the melody recalls “I Hope You Dance” with a gospel chorus singing in the background while Vince’s guitar does the talking on a strong solo and remains more than audible throughout the song.
Perhaps the only problem Vince Gill faces with country radio accepting the song is that his last Top 20 hit on the chart was a full eight years ago when “Next Big Thing” hit #15. The last Top 10 single was “Feels Like Love” in the year 2000. If radio’s still willing to play George Strait and Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire can make a comeback, why can’t Vince Gill? Particularly with a strong single like “Threaten Me With Heaven.”
Here’s hoping that radio does welcome him back with open arms.
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READER'S COMMENTS
Angie says:
Posted: Thursday, November 3, 2011
This is one of the most Awesome songs I have ever heard! My 55 year old aunt is fighting cancer and the first time I heard this song it went straight to my heart. Thank You Vince Gill, truly amazing!
betty_joo@hotmail.com says:
Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011
I tried to get through this song again...OMG its beautiful.. I meant without crying... Vince Gill is the best there will ever be. Betty Jo
Karen C says:
Posted: Friday, September 23, 2011
Another beautiful song by a wonderful artist! Tears were streaming while listening to this song. Thank you Vince Gill for yet another hit!
Kathy says:
Posted: Friday, September 23, 2011
I have always loved Vince's songs and as are all the others, this is a winner. It brought me to tears, since I just lost my husband of 39 years this past January; so it really hit home. Thanks Vince!
Marg says:
Posted: Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Great song Vince and as always it say it all way to go.I can't wait for your new CD in Oct. I know I will be going out to get it as soon as its in the stores.Marg
Cheryl says:
Posted: Sunday, September 4, 2011
Love Vince Gill and would love to hear him on the radio again! This deserves to be heard!
Larrivee says:
Posted: Friday, September 2, 2011
Vince is great! Looking at the sorry Larrivee guitars in the backround make me laugh.
Jewel girl says:
Posted: Thursday, September 1, 2011
Vince, you are wonderful! Such a beautiful voice! We have missed you on the radio, so happy you are back! Looking forward to your new cd, and your outstanding contribution to the music world.
Marty K says:
Posted: Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Vince I have a different Heaven song with awesome lyrics. I have never heard a song like this one. Vince please get in touch with me so I can get it to you. Marty
Patsy Spelce says:
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Vince Gill, my man. He just gets better with age. I love to hear him sing, he's the greatest.
Dorothy Hardy says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
I agree with all the above, and one more who was left out--Ronnie Dunn!!!! Haven't Cmt/GAC and radio welcomed with him with open arms and are supporting his recent entries? Why hasn't radio embraced Vince's work dating back to 2000 anyway?
MARILYN says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
What a nice song?Everything vince does i love all your songs.
Ellen from The Netherlands says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
Another beautiful song from Vince I love it Everything Vince does is awesome! Cant wait till this cd comes out so I can get it!And that he come sings in The Netherlands
Harriet says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
Another beautiful song from Vince. I hope he sings it October 16th at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA! He's my favorite of all time and I agree with Valisa! Go girl!
jodi says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
What a beautiful song! BRought me to tears. Everything Vince does is awesome! Cant wait till this cd comes out so I can get it!!!!!!!!!!!!
valisa schmidley says:
Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011
The notion of radio considering anything Vince does as a "comeback" is humorous to those of us who have never STOPPED watching and supporting this giant. His more recent works (meaning the years since radio died), are without question, his most important. Never has he been in stronger voice or more prolific in his writing. I so hope this upcoming album, The Guitar Slinger, is heard and gets its due. He is long overdue for the "hit".
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