You Don't Know Me: Classic Country (or informally referred to as You Don't Know Me) is the twenty sixth studio album by American country artist Crystal Gayle. The record was released on September 6, 2019 via Southpaw Musical Productions and The Orchard.[1]You Don't Know Me contains cover versions of classic country songs and features collaborations with other artists. The album marks Gayle's first studio release in sixteen years.
Background
The album has been in the making for several years. In a 2017 interview, Gayle stated intentions to record an album of classic country material. The project was first titled Am I That Easy to Forget.[2]You Don't Know Me was co-produced by Gayle and her son, Christos Gatzimos. The album consists of 14 classic country songs, including the title track. The latter was written by Cindy Walker and recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1955.[3]
Gayle recorded the album because she wanted to pay tribute to the music she was raised singing. In an interview with Music Row she commented, "It is filled with country classics that I grew up singing. They are very much a part of my history and I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I feel very lucky to have known and worked with many of the artists who had the original hits."[1] She also wanted to record the album to expose Gatzimos to classic country music. In an interview with CMT Gayle explained, "I really started out the project with letting Christos see and hear what country music is really all about."[6]
You Don't Know Me has received positive reviews from music critics and journalists. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave the release 3 out of 5 stars, calling the production style "clean, precise, and spotless". Erlewine also noted that Gayle's upper register has "diminished" but is nonetheless "amiable". Erlewine would conclude his review by saying, "While the crisp sonics prevent You Don't Know Me from being as welcoming as a faded, familiar wrap, the intent is nevertheless appreciated and it's good to hear Gayle sound so engaged with the songs she is singing."[7]
Markos Papadatos of the Digital Journal gave the album an "A" rating. He called Gayle's voice "rich" and "crystalline". To conclude, Papadatos said, "Overall, Crystal Gayle is sensational on her new album, You Don't Know Me, which is country as grits. Grab a bottle of wine and let this country queen lure you in with her timeless voice. Every song is polished and unique."[8] Nancy Kruh of People praised Gayle's voice, calling it "smooth" and "silky".[9]
Commercial performance
In promotion of You Don't Know Me, the opening track "Ribbon of Darkness" was released as a digital download. The album was available for pre-ordering in August 2019.[3] Although the album was released on Southpaw Musical Productions, it was distributed by BFD and The Orchard.[5] Upon release, You Don't Know Me became Gayle's first studio album release to make a chart appearance since 1988. The album peaked at number 40 on the BillboardTop Independent Albums chart and number 27 on the Billboard Country Albums Sales chart.[10]
The album has sold 1,900 copies in the United States as of November 2019.[11]
