COLLIN RAYE WITH BOBBIE EAKES

(Billboard - 600 words - June 10, 2000)   COLLIN RAYE WITH BOBBIE EAKES Tired Of Loving This Way (3:40) PRODUCERS: Dann Huff, Collin Raye WRITERS: G. LeSage, A. Mellon PUBLISHERS: EMI Blackwood Music/Britsar Music, BMI; Blackwood Music/BMG Songs/Bases Loaded Music, ASCAP Epic 12838 (CD promo)   Collin Raye says his favorite duet has always been the Neil Diamond/Barbra Streisand hit "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," and he has searched for years to find a song capable of generating the same emotional impact. He thinks he's found it with "Tired Of Loving This Way," the latest single from his "Tracks" album. The song, penned by Gene LeSage and Allison Mellon, is a gorgeous ballad about the pain generated by the emotional distance in a relationship that has run out of steam.

The song boasts a pretty melody, and the production builds nicely with the instrumentation and vocals swelling to a passionate crescendo. It's a strong song, but the real impact of this single lies in the stunning performances. Raye delivers a measured, thoughtful vocal outing that explores each subtle nuance of the lyric. And Eakes is a wonderful new discovery. She's an actress from "The Bold & The Beautiful" soap opera, but before anyone rolls their eyes at the thought of another television actress attempting a country music career, they should take a listen. This girl can really sing. Her vocals have a warmth and resonance. She also knows how to pack an emotional wallop without oversinging. All in all, a nice piece of work that should be warmly embraced by programmers and listeners.