Who says nice guys never finish first? With his sweet-toned high tenor and gentlemanly demeanor, Vince Gill worked hard through some lean years to finally become a Nashville superstar. 1991's Pocket Full of Gold is one of his best albums, mixing bluegrass and country-rock with a touch of classic honky-tonk. As a songwriter, Gill's strength has been in his ability to update traditional country without losing its authentic essence, a quality that comes through in songs such as "Take Your Memory With You" and the title track. Then there's the purity and ache in his soaring vocals, captured in heart-melting ballads like "The Strings That Tie You Down" and "Look At Us." His upbeat numbers are equally convincing, as shown on the playful "Liza Jane" and the teasing "I Quit." Produced with finesse by Tony Brown, Pocket Full of Gold ranks high in Gill's artistically rich catalog.