Key's in the Mailbox is the 23rd solo studio album released by American country artist Barbara Mandrell. The album was released September 24, 1991, on Capitol Records and was produced by Jerry Crutchfield. It was Mandrell's fourth and final album for the Capitol label.
Key's in the Mailbox was recorded in spring 1991 at the Music Mill and the Digital Recorders in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Unlike her past release, Mandrell used Jerry Crutchfield as the lead producer instead of Jimmy Bowen.[2] The album consisted of 10 tracks of songs recorded in a traditional country arrangement, similar to that of her previous Capitol releases. The opening title track was written by Harlan Howard, who previously contributed to Mandrell's 1988 release I'll Be Your Jukebox Tonight. The second track entitled "Tall Drink of Water" included a Country and Western arrangement. "Try Gettin' Over You" was co-written by American pop artist Michael Bolton and "I Love You Because" had previously been recorded by Leon Payne and Elvis Presley. The album also includes a cover of Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman". The album was originally released on a compact disc upon its release in 1991 and was also available on audio cassette.[3] Bill Carpenter of Allmusic gave Key's in the Mailbox three out five stars, calling the album "Heartful soul and contemporary country."[1]
Release[]
Key's in the Mailbox was released on September 24, 1991, and peaked at #62 on the Billboard MagazineTop Country Albums chart shortly afterward. It would be Mandrell's final release to chart on any Billboard album list.[4]Key's in the Mailbox was Mandrell's final studio release for Capitol Records, after recording four albums for the label between 1988 and 1991.
