JCHAlbum Review: Kellie Pickler (Self Titled)
September 27th 2008 09:02
1. Don't You Know You're Beautiful: This can easily be characterized as Pickler's answer to Martina McBride's "This One's For The Girls". A fun little ditty about self assurance, abstinence and various other Disney-related subtexts. Well sung by Kellie, but for me, it doesn't match the tone of the rest of the album and while I'm sure we can all appreciate an uplifting message, I don't view it as the smartest choice for the lead single. Oh well, bygones.
2. I'm Your Woman: An up-tempo late-90s pseudo-Shania track. This is the first indicator for me that the label has focused a little more on a record that allows not only Pickler's vocals, but also her personality to shine just a little bit more than on her rushed debut record, "Small Time Girl".
3. Rocks Instead Of Rice: Herein begins the theme of the record. In case you weren't aware, I'm guessing that at some stage, our beloved Pickler dated an adulterer. Yes, shock and horror. Here, we have a revenge tinged ditty with token humor and violent references, both necessary for this track to be a part of the "Neo-country/pop revenge song by a blond" genre (joining her BBFs Carrie "Before He Cheats" Underwood and Taylor "Picture To Burn" Swift. A fun track that will amuse some/most. At the same time, this track scarily reminds me of Dolly Parton's "I Don't Want To Throw Rice" both thematically and lyrically: "No I don't want to throw rice/I want to throw rocks at her/She took the only love I had/No, I don't want to throw rice
4. Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You: This is a re-cut of what I have always viewed as the second strongest track from her first album (second only behind "I Wonder"). Normally I'm not a major fan of artists making use of the same song on multiple records, however, this re-recording offers a stronger vocal from Pickler and a thicker arrangement - both are welcomed. I assume this is going to hit radio at some stage...or at least I'm hoping it does, though I have learnt that radio isn't listening to what album sales are saying, because while the top five albums slots are currently being occupied by five females, all I'm hearing is Chesney, Urban and Jackson etc. Sorry, rant over.
5. Lucky Girl: A cover of the fabulously awesome Australian singer/songwriter Catherine Britt (who has this released as her current single in Australia at the moment). Kellie does Britt proud, delivering an unyielding vocal to contribute to the standing "yeah you dumped me, but check it out, you're the one who got screwed" theme of the record. Plus, who doesn't win when they have a box set of Merle Haggard?
6. One Last Time: A sad ballad co-written by Pickler lamenting a desire to have one last night with a former lover. The verses build quite nicely into a stronger chorus, finishing just as softly as it began. Another solid offering.
7. Best Days Of Your Life: This is the infamous co-write with former fellow Brad Paisley tour veteran Taylor Swift (who also provides subtle, almost invisible, backing vocals). It's a fun track and a surefire hit for the record which will only be strengthened by the connection to country/pop's current golden child, Miss Swift. Like paper to a flame baby!
8. Somebody To Love Me: The track title is pretty self explanatory. Maybe a tad filler-ish but what is a country record without a token heart wrenching ballad?
9. Makin' Me Fall In Love Again: Dolly circa late 70s vibe. A fun track that will be present in my car for a while. Not genius, but definitely sing along material.
10: Gong Out In Style: It starts slow, it builds and she embraces product placement. What more can I say?
Thoughts? It's fun, vengeful, upbeat and reflective - a great pop/country album. Pickler has grown as a vocalist since her first album and her personality definitely shines through in this record. There are some stand out tracks and one or two fillers in a relatively short record (ten songs), however, all in all, I recommend that all non-traditional fans check this album out.
Links:
Buy it here.
Listen to a few tracks here.
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