Having for most part left behind the shuffle-beat honky tonk style he helped forge, Ray Price found new success as a countrypop singer by the mid-'60s, and although fans of his early hits "Crazy Arms" and "Heartaches by the Number" had difficulty withthe change, many listeners accustomed to the pop-heavy Nashville sound or smooth croon ofJack Jonesbegan listening up -- Price eventually reaped the benefits by scoring big hits with "Don't Mention It" andKris Kristofferson's "For the Good Times." Out of the numerous pop albums Price recorded for Columbia, She Wears My Ring stands out with verydecent material, strong arrangements, and Price's powerful, high lonesome voice. The title track opens with some light countrystyle guitar and piano as if to hint at the pure country left behind, but soon all thoughts of honky tonkin' are banished as a timpaniroll, full-blown strings, and vocal choir all make it clear this is not going to be a barnburning affair; more like the preferredsoundtrack for cocktail hour. Thankfully, though, Price's commanding voice and the urbaneRay Ellisarrangements keep the schmaltz in check .