Album Review: "What A Difference You've Made In My Life / Let's Take The Long Way Around The World" by Ronnie Milsap
Alright, let me tell ya—this album hits different. Released back in 1980 under RCA, it’s one of those records that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Ronnie Milsap, man, he just gets it. With Tom Collins producing and D. Bergen White arranging, this thing has layers you can sink into. And don’t even get me started on The Lea Jane Singers—they add this heavenly vibe to the whole mix. It’s country music with heart, soul, and a little bit of wanderlust.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks here because they stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the record (yeah, I’m old-school like that). First up is “What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life.” Written by Archie Jordan, this song punches you right in the feels without warning. It’s not flashy or overdone—it’s simple, honest, and raw. When Milsap sings about how someone turned his world around, you believe him. Like, really believe him. There’s no pretense, no big metaphors—just straight-up gratitude wrapped in steel guitar and soft vocals. Every time I hear it, I think about all the people who’ve made my own life better. Corny? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Then there’s “Let’s Take The Long Way Around The World,” which flips the mood entirely. This track feels like grabbing your sweetheart’s hand and saying, “Hey, screw the map, let’s go!” Naomi Martin wrote this gem, and it’s got this dreamy, carefree energy that makes you wanna pack a bag and hit the road. The melody rolls along so smooth, it’s almost hypnotic. You can practically smell the open highway and feel the sun on your face. For a guy like me who spends too much time staring at screens, this tune reminds me what freedom sounds like.
Here’s the kicker though—this album isn’t perfect. Some parts feel dated now, sure, but isn’t that part of its charm? Listening to it feels like flipping through an old photo album. Yeah, the edges are worn, and some pages are faded, but damn if it doesn’t bring back memories you didn’t know you had.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re looking for something real. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself humming these tunes while stuck in traffic. Oh, and hey—if anyone asks where you heard about it, tell ‘em D.P. sent ya. Whoever D.P. is.
