John Batdorf has a way with words. Simply. The opening track to his collaborative effort with Michael McLean is "She's the Girl". The tune describes the ultimate girl, 'she's the girl that no one really believes they'll ever find, . .lives somewhere in every man's heart and every man's mind, she knows just what to do, she's too good to be true, she's a fantasy, but she really lives and each day she gives her real love to me'. The lyrical sensitivity and insight are, of course, Batdorf's own cross to bear. It must be tough to be able to interpret so deeply and live in a world that probably doesn't reciprocate that emotional intellect back. He clearly appreciates the source when it's returned, as the song certainly lifts up the girl who perfectly doesn't exist, yet does. Batdorf, as in his communicated in his artistic work, wants to love and needs to be loved, as is evident by his consistent drive to collaborate. Bless the man who is able to connect with another artist and this record is no exception. The collaboration with McLean is dreamy, thoughtful, and near songwriting perfection. Track 3, "Forgiveness", relates the philosophical value of forgiving even the worst actions against us. 'There are some actions that are even harder to defend. .you've been gone for half a lifetime. .ain't it time we were friends. .it's all about forgiveness'. Batdorf, again, is here reaching out to alienated hearts - desperately trying to convince that the only important aspect of life is love and togetherness. The songs continue in this vein of self-improvement and appreciation in the title track, "Don't You Know". John and Michael write, 'don't you know, can't you see, that i'm not what i used to be, don't you know, can't you see, what your love has made of me. .you could see all i could be if i was whole then you so tenderly connected all the fragments of my misdirected soul'. Again, Batdorf in his selfless writing gives all credit to his positive changes to others - we're not convinced that he doesn't own some of the responsibility. Ultimately, the record is an 11-song collection of great songs, and track 9, "Heartbeat Away", has all the signs of a hit - memorable hook and lyrical universal meaning. The production is first-rate, but we can't help but wonder how the writing would apply to a more contemporary format. This is music for those who appreciate great records from the 70's and 80's and cross-over country sounds of today. The final song, "Let it Go", is the right way to end the collection. The song is about forgiveness, again, and the clear and healthy part of the process of letting go of anger and hate. For those of us who have a few things rattling around in the cellar of our souls, it's good to get the advice. .better yet that it's wrapped in gorgeous music and musicianship.