| Sparkle City | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | David Ball |
| Cover: | David_Ball_-_Sparkle_City_Cover.jpg |
| Alt: | The album cover features David Ball, a middle-aged white man. He wears a white cowboy hat and a dark button-down shirt. His left hand covers his mouth in thought. His right hand holds an acoustic guitar upside down at his side. Cursive text reads "Sparkle City". Serif text reads "David Ball & The Pioneer Playboys". |
| Studio: | Legends Studio, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Genre: | Country |
| Length: | 34:48 |
| Label: | Red Dirt/E1 |
| Prev Title: | Heartaches by the Number |
| Prev Year: | 2007 |
| Next Title: | The Greatest Christmas |
| Next Year: | 2011 |
Sparkle City is the eighth album by David Ball. The album was released on April 20, 2010 by Red Dirt/E1.
William Ruhlmann of AllMusic says, "He never tries to do too much, satisfying himself to stay within the stylistic confines of traditional honky tonk country, and yet he is enough of a stylist not to come off as generic. It would be easy to imagine some of the songs here competing with George Strait's on the country charts, given the right exposure."
Nashville Music Guide gives the album 7 stars out of 10 and writes, "This album is a great blend: ranging from boogie-woogie and Texas swing, to romantic ballad and even a dash of Mexican flare."
David McGee of The Bluegrass Special concludes his review, "With his basic band, simply told tales, pleasant Tennessee drawl and genial personality, Ball has made yet another worthy stand for straight ahead country, undiluted by any influences save those that would be sanctioned by Hank Williams and Marty Robbins, both of whose spirits are engaged here. Ramblin’ fever is highly infectious."[1]
Rick Bell reviews the album for Country Standard Time and concludes with, "If the longtime veteran only resurfaces with a new release every six years or so, then so be it. An album like "Sparkle City" is well worth the wait."[2]
Gunther Matejka of Country Music News out of Germany rates the album 4½ stars out of 5 and finishes with "Conclusion : The veteran is still on an experimental course - with Texas swing, rock 'n' roll, blues and jazzy revue numbers. A strong sign of life for the singer and songwriter."
Track information and credits adapted from Discogs[3] and AllMusic.[4] Track information and credits also verified from the album's liner notes.[5]