“Building Bridges” by Brooks & Dunn ft. Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill

The Original Version

Released in 1984, “Building Bridges” was originally recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Larry Willoughby which also co-wrote with fellow songwriter Hank DeVito. American musician Rodney Crowell produced the song for Atlantic Records. It is one of the singles from his self-titled album. However, Willoughby’s version did not chart significantly as it just reached no. 55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles in 1984.

Brooks & Dunn’s Version: A Collaboration with Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill

On June 5, 2006, American country music and award-winning duo Brooks and Dunn released their version of “Building Bridges.” It was the third single from their ninth studio album, HillBilly Deluxe. In addition, the single features fellow country music artists Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. Furthermore, the duo co-produced the song with Tony Brown for Arista Nashville.

Unlike the original version, Brooks & Dunn’s cover penetrated the top ten and went to peak at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. On the other hand, it charted at no. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, the song entered the Billboard Country Songs year-end chart at no. 29 in 2006.

Billboard correspondent Deborah Evans Price reviewed and described the song favorably. She said:

“Dunn’s lead vocal is as compelling as always.”

In addition, she also noted that Gill’s and Crow’s vocals made the song “distinctive.”

Here’s a part of the song:

Since you’ve gone, my heart said something’s wrong.
How long can this keep goin’ on?
I’m still blue over losin’ you.
What else am I gonna do?

I’m buildin’ bridges straight to your heart,
An’ all of this distance won’t keep us apart,
Won’t keep us apart.

Talk to me, talk to me about sympathy.
Don’t leave me beggin’ on my knees.
Since you’ve gone, my heart says something’s wrong.
How long can this keep goin’ on?

WATCH Brooks & Dunn’s 2006 version of “Building Bridges” featuring Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill.

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