Introduction
“Anymore,” co-written by Travis Tritt and Jill Colucci, stands as one of Tritt’s most poignant and successful singles. Released on September 2, 1991, as the second single from his album It’s All About to Change, the song quickly resonated with audiences, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on October 26, 1991, and maintaining that position for two consecutive weeks.
The genesis of “Anymore” began during a shared airplane ride between Tritt and Colucci. Colucci presented a melody she had been working on, and together, they started crafting the lyrics mid-flight. Although they couldn’t complete the song during the journey, they reconvened six weeks later in the studio to finalize it.
The song’s narrative delves deep into the emotions of a person grappling with unexpressed love and the internal struggle of concealing true feelings. This theme of vulnerability and emotional honesty struck a chord with listeners, solidifying its place in country music history.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jack Cole, further amplified the song’s impact. In it, Tritt portrays Mac Singleton, a Vietnam War veteran confined to a wheelchair. The storyline addresses the physical and emotional scars of war, depicting Singleton’s nightmares and his journey through rehabilitation. A significant subplot involves Singleton’s hesitation to reconnect with his wife, Annie, due to his injuries, highlighting the personal battles many veterans face upon returning home.
This music video was groundbreaking for its time, incorporating spoken dialogue and a cinematic approach that was relatively uncommon in country music videos of that era. Its success led to a trilogy of narratives featuring Mac Singleton, continued in the videos for “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” (1995) and “If I Lost You” (1998).
The portrayal of Mac Singleton not only showcased Tritt’s musical talents but also opened doors to his acting career. Kenny Rogers, after viewing the “Anymore” video, advocated for Tritt’s involvement in the 1993 CBS television movie Rio Diablo, marking Tritt’s entry into acting.
“Anymore” remains a testament to Travis Tritt’s ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with compelling visuals, cementing its status as a classic in the country music genre.