Reimagining a Legacy: Exile’s “HITS Anniversary Edition” Arrives in Immersive Sound
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For over six decades, the name Exile has been synonymous with a unique blend of country and rock, crafting a sound that has resonated with generations of fans. From their early pop success to their reign on the country charts, this Kentucky quintet has carved out an enduring legacy, cementing their place in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Now, original members Sonny LeMaire, JP Pennington, Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, and Les Taylor invite listeners to experience their storied career anew with the release of Exile HITS Anniversary Edition. This isn’t just another greatest hits compilation; it’s a meticulously remixed and remastered collection, presenting 15 of their most beloved tracks, including eleven No. 1 hits, in the groundbreaking Dolby Atmos sound format.
The decision to embrace Dolby Atmos for Exile HITS Anniversary Edition is a bold and welcome one. This immersive audio technology transcends traditional stereo, allowing individual sound elements to be precisely placed within a three-dimensional space. The result is a listening experience that feels more dynamic, more realistic, and ultimately, more engaging. For a band known for their rich harmonies and intricate instrumentation, this move is a testament to their commitment to delivering the highest fidelity to their fans. It’s a chance to rediscover the nuances of their classic tracks, hearing instruments and vocals with a clarity and depth previously unimaginable. As the band themselves shared, “By way of modern technology, this project documents our recording career in a way we feel it should be heard. We hope old and new fans enjoy listening as much as we did making it.”
Released on Clearwater Records, this anniversary edition serves as a vibrant celebration of Exile’s 62-year journey in music. It’s a testament to their enduring appeal and the timeless quality of their songwriting. The track listing reads like a personal soundtrack for countless fans, spanning their diverse stylistic shifts:
Exile HITS Anniversary Edition Track Listing:
- Kiss You All Over (Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn)
- Woke Up In Love (JP Pennington)
- I Don’t Want To Be A Memory (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Give Me One More Chance (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- She’s A Miracle (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Crazy For Your Love (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Hang On To Your Heart (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- I Could Get Used To You (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- She’s Too Good To Be True (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Super Love (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- It’ll Be Me (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- I Can’t Get Close Enough (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Keep It In The Middle of The Road (JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire)
- Nobody’s Talking (Sonny LeMaire, Randy Sharp)
- Yet (Sonny LeMaire, Randy Sharp)
From the iconic pop crossover hit “Kiss You All Over” to their string of country chart-toppers like “Woke Up In Love,” “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory,” and “Give Me One More Chance,” each song is given a new lease on life through the immersive audio treatment. The soulful harmonies that are a hallmark of Exile’s sound truly shine in Dolby Atmos, enveloping the listener and drawing them deeper into the music. The meticulous work of producers JP Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, along with engineers Paul Scholten, Jeff Myers, Tony Cottrill, and Mike Purcell, is evident in every track, showcasing the band’s renowned musicianship. The contributions of the core studio musicians – Steve Goetzman on drums, Marlon Hargis on piano, organ, synths, and backing vocals, Sonny LeMaire on bass, DADGAD acoustic guitar, lead, and backing vocals, JP Pennington on electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, ukulele, keyboards, percussion, lead, and backing vocals, and Les Taylor on acoustic guitar, lead, and backing vocals – are presented with remarkable clarity and separation.
Beyond the studio, Exile continues to be a vibrant touring force, bringing their timeless music to audiences across the country. The release of Exile HITS Anniversary Edition is perfectly timed with a robust tour schedule that will see the band performing their hits live throughout the year.
EXILE 2025 Tour Dates:
- 06-07-25 – Hank Williams Museum & Festival – Georgiana, AL
- 06-26-25 – Brauntex Theatre – New Braunfels, TX
- 06-27-25 – Texan Theater Greenville – Greenville, TX
- 06-28-25 – The Coyote Store – Gail, TX
- 07-03-25 – Red, White & Blue Days 2025 – Charleston, IL
- 07-04-25 – The 1945 Dade County Fair – Trenton, GA
- 07-05-25 – Knott County Sports Complex – Leburn, KY
- 08-12-25 – Missouri State Fair – Sedalia, MO
- 08-16-25 – Bay City Civic Center – Bay City, TX
- 08-29-25 – The Millersport Sweet Corn Festival – Millersport, OH
- 09-19-25 – The Vine at Chenault Vineyards – Richmond, KY
- 09-20-25 – Fall Heritage Festival – Cowan, TN
- 10-02-25 – Blue Gate Music Hall – Shipshewana, IN
- 10-03-25 – Manchester Coffee County Conference Center – Manchester, TN
- 10-10-25 – Knox County Courthouse – Barbourville, KY
- 10-11-25 – The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
- 12-05-25 – The Badgett Playhouse – Grand Rivers, KY
- 12-06-25 – The Mint Gaming Hall – Franklin, KY
Exile HITS Anniversary Edition is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to experience the legacy of a remarkable band through a contemporary lens. For longtime fans, it offers a fresh perspective on cherished memories. For new listeners, it’s a perfect introduction to the rich, diverse, and enduring sound of Exile, presented in a format that truly does their music justice. In a world increasingly focused on the latest trends, Exile proves that true artistry, when reimagined with care and innovation, remains as captivating as ever.