Artist: Sara Evans
Title: "No Place That Far"
Label: BMG
Reviewed By: P. Kellach Waddle
Rating:
I was immediately mesmerized by Ms. Evans present single, and the title
cut of this album, from the moment I first heard it. After hearing the rest
of this glorious album, I haven't CEASED being mesmerized yet.
At first, noticing that Ms. Evans wrote many of the songs on the album,
I was worried she might be in danger of surrounding herself with too many
legends to compete with. Some of the other tunes, like the achingly wonderful
ballad "Time Won't Tell," were written by such deans of songwriting
as Harlan Howard, not to mention fellow songstress Matraca Berg (who has
penned powerhouse songs for the likes of Reba Mcentire), who co-wrote with
Ms. Evans the killer feminist anthem "Fool I'm A Woman."
Such worries maximized, noting that she also has the likes of Vince
Gill and Jamie O' Hara helping her out. Seeing all of this incredible talent
on an album by a new face always worries me, thinking perhaps if the album
is good it will be due to the effort of the stalwarts carrying the newbie.
Rarely have such worries been blown out of the water by such a stunning
talent. Within a few years, "Sara Evans" will BE one of these
stalwarts herself.
Every tune on the album is a powerhouse combination of her incredible
delivery and some country-as-hell-but-still-urbanly-attractive catchy lyrics.
(Best Example: The anti-love song "Cupid" contains the zinger
" Cupid, Don't point that thing at me.") "The Knot Comes
Untied" is the quintessential example of a beautiful country waltz,
and "Love Don't be A Stranger" is a refreshingly up-tempo take
on loneliness.
There's no need to run cut by cut here. Every song is a major winner,
so why no fiver for this lady's massive achievement? Its too short!!!!!!!!!!!
With music and production and writing this good I don't want 36 measly minutes.
Give me more, more, more next time Sara! In the mean time, hopefully a lot
of people will come to see you are truly a legend in the making.
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