Nashville (Shout! Factory, 2006)

When Solomon Burke sings about playing the love game until he masters it during "'Till I Get It Right," it is a startling revelation. If this 66-year-old is still clueless about the mysteries of love, maybe we are all hopeless romantics. Of course, it is just a song.

But Burke is not just any singer. Rather, he's a soul legend who recently hooked up with Buddy Miller for this country-esque new CD. He is joined by mainly country stars, such as Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless, although it is his stripped down selections - namely the acoustic guitar and vocal of "How I Got To Memphis" and the hushed "Up On The Mountain" - that reveal this iconic voice's vulnerable side.

There is a boatload of star power contained on this CD, yet these stellar names are worked into a relatively simple sonic. Producer Miller brings out the sensitive Burke, for the most part. Even George Jones and Tammy Wynette's epic statement of romantic faith, "We're Gonna Hold On," comes off rather subdued with vocal help from Emmylou Harris. Burke doesn't huff and puff and blow your house down with this effort. He whispers in your ear, instead.