Now 64, Gene’s voice is just as silky smooth as it was when he first hit the radio in the mid-1970s. So it’s entirely justified that the impressive supporting cast of famous fans pitching in for In a Perfect World—including Joe Nichols, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and others—all lend skillful support while never trying to steal the spotlight from Gene. In a Perfect World is weighed down a little by a few covers of all-too-obvious country classics and a few unexceptional new songs, but Gene’s sweet, soulful singing unfailingly elevates any tune it touches.