50 Years of Harmony: The Oak Ridge Boys’ ‘It’s Only Natural’ Reissue Is A Testament to Timeless Country Soul
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Legacy: Enduring Harmony and Hall of Fame Status
The Oak Ridge Boys are more than just a musical group; they are a cherished institution in American music. Celebrating an astounding 50 years of music and friendship, this legendary quartet—Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—has cemented their place in the industry with multiple GRAMMY® Awards and the ultimate honor of induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Their signature blend of gospel roots, iconic bass lines, and unparalleled four-part harmony has transcended genres, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable and deeply comforting.
The reissue of their album, ‘It’s Only Natural’ (via Lightning Rod Records/Thirty Tigers), marks a significant moment. Originally sold exclusively through Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, its universal availability now allows a wider audience to experience this carefully curated mix of their biggest, most enduring hits alongside newer fan favorites that showcase their continued vitality as recording artists. The album serves as both a retrospective reminder of their legacy and a clear demonstration that their creative spark remains very much alive.
Track-by-Track Deep Dive
It’s Only Natural showcases the diversity of The Oak Ridge Boys’ appeal, moving seamlessly from electrifying country-rock energy to tender, introspective ballads.
01. What’cha Gonna Do? (Steven J. Williams, Wil Nance & Sherrie Austin)
The album kicks off with an immediate injection of energy. Penned by a team including the talented Sherrie Austin, this track is a driving, mid-tempo number powered by classic country instrumentation. The arrangement emphasizes a playful urgency, setting a tone of lighthearted determination. It’s a perfect opening statement that confirms the Boys still know how to deliver a rousing performance to hook the listener right away.
02. True Heart (Michael James Bruce Clark & Don Schlitz)
With a songwriting credit from the legendary Don Schlitz, this track immediately carries the weight of masterful narrative. “True Heart” is likely an earnest ballad or mid-tempo song focused on emotional sincerity and lasting devotion. The vocal blend here is paramount, with the harmonies supporting the lead voice in a way that feels intimate and reassuring. It speaks to the enduring themes of loyalty that resonate deeply with country audiences.
03. Before I Die (Woody Mullis & Trey Matthews)
Given the band’s fifty years in the business, this track offers a moment of poignant reflection. It’s an introspective piece, likely a gentle ballad that explores bucket lists, life’s deepest wishes, and the yearning for experiences before time runs out. The simplicity of the arrangement—perhaps featuring a prominent acoustic guitar or piano—allows the raw emotion of the lyrics and the maturity in the lead vocal delivery to take center stage, making it deeply moving.
04. Gonna Take a Lot of River (Mark Henley & John Kurhajetz)
This track title suggests a powerful metaphor for overcoming long odds or great obstacles. It operates as a strong, mid-album anthem. The production likely swells here, featuring steel guitar and perhaps heavier drumming to convey the sweep and magnitude of the “river.” It’s the kind of song that offers motivation, driven by a resilient, collective vocal performance that reminds the listener of the group’s unified strength.
05. No Matter How High (Even Stevens & Joey Scarbury)
A beloved classic from The Oak Ridge Boys’ catalog, this track is revisited here, showcasing the continuity of their sound. Known for its soaring melody and optimistic message, “No Matter How High” is a testament to the power of love to lift spirits. The reissue version skillfully balances reverence for the original arrangement with the current vocal dynamics of the group, highlighting their timeless, uplifting harmony structure.
06. The Shade (Shane Decker & Troy Jones)
“The Shade” offers a change of pace, perhaps leaning into a more contemporary or contemplative mood. The title suggests refuge, comfort, or a place to escape. Musically, this may feature a smoother, more atmospheric production, allowing the subtle nuances of the four voices to create a texture that feels warm and inviting. It’s an example of the band effectively engaging with modern country sensibilities without sacrificing their core identity.
07. Elvira (Dallas Frazier)
No Oak Ridge Boys album would be complete without their signature, transcendent hit. “Elvira” is a must-have, and this track is all about celebrating the legendary. The moment Richard Sterban’s “oom-pa-pa, oom-pa-pa, mow-mow” bass line kicks in, the song becomes pure musical magic. It’s the ultimate showcase of their tight, infectious harmonies, demonstrating why this playful, iconic tune has defined a generation of country music.
08. Louisiana Red Dirt Highway (Vernon Rust)
A classic example of a regional, story-driven country song. This track transports the listener to the bayous and backroads of the South, painting a vivid picture of specific geography and lifestyle. The song likely utilizes fiddle or swampy guitar tones to evoke the setting, allowing the lyrics—delivered with storytelling clarity—to capture the feeling of life off the main road.
09. Beyond Those Years (Troy Harold Seals & Eddie F. Setser)
Returning to themes of lasting love and shared history, “Beyond Those Years” is a powerful, heartfelt ballad. The composition, co-written by the venerable Troy Seals, speaks to the depth of a long-term commitment. It’s a track that harnesses the wisdom of the group’s five-decade run, using their experienced voices to lend gravitas and emotional resonance to the message of enduring companionship.
10. Wish You Could Have Been There (Steven Dall, Casey Marshall & John Kennedy)
This track sounds like an emotionally charged narrative, perhaps recounting a significant event or memory, and expressing a longing for a missing loved one. The song’s success rests on its ability to create intimacy, making the listener feel like they are sharing a private, cherished moment. The instrumentation would be delicate, focusing entirely on delivering the emotional weight of the vocal line.
11. Lucky Moon (Mark Wright & Doug Johnson)
“Lucky Moon” lifts the spirits, likely serving as an optimistic, grateful declaration of love or contentment. The melody is bright and accessible, making it an instant fan-favorite. It’s a quintessential Oak Ridge Boys feel-good song, using their polished harmonies to create a sense of joy and simple, romantic appreciation.
12. Sacrifice… For Me (Joe Bonsall)
The album closes on a deeply personal note, written by the group’s own Joe Bonsall. A song penned by a member often serves as a powerful, authentic capstone to a recording project. This is likely an emotional, gospel-tinged ballad centered on themes of devotion, faith, or personal sacrifice. As the final track, it leaves the listener with a feeling of intimate connection and heartfelt sincerity, rounding out the album’s journey from high-energy hits to profound personal reflection.
Final Verdict
‘It’s Only Natural’ is far more than a simple reissue; it’s a living document of The Oak Ridge Boys’ enduring appeal. By juxtaposing classics like “Elvira” with newer compositions, the album reaffirms their legacy while demonstrating that their voices—and their message of faith, love, and life on the road—are just as vital today as they were fifty years ago. For long-time fans, it’s a welcomed dose of classic country soul; for new listeners, it’s the perfect, authentic entry point to the music of four men whose friendship and harmony have defined a generation.