Billy Gilman - Dare To Dream (2001)

If you didn't know Billy Gilman was 12 years old, you certainly would know it after listening to this middle-of-the-road sophomore effort. His voice, although capable and gifted, is so innocent and child-like, it's hard to appreciate Dare to Dream as an adult album, and sounds more like something a 10-year-old would be listening too. At least he's not singing about broken hearts or love that lasts forever, but about the sweet things a preteen would know аbout: first kisses, summertime, and Mom. Dare to Dream does offer up some touching ballads, including "Elisabeth" about a young girl's battle with a life threatening disease and some appealing, animated melodies like "She's My Girl." The album certainly does demonstrate new artistic maturity and Gilman is definitely a talent to be reckoned with, but he's still quite a ways away from being "the huge country artist" that the industry has labeled him. © Maria Konicki Dinoia