Album Review

Crystal Bernard - The Girl Next Door
River North Records

Purchase The Album

Has anyone else noticed a trend in country music? I have. Artists are releasing the most complete, high quality albums in recent memory. It doesn't matter if the singer is a rookie, or a seasoned veteran. 1996-1997 has been amazing so far. Crystal Bernard and her debut album prove to be no different.

The Girl Next Door is a solid display of modern country tunes and backed by Bernard's unique vocals it's hard to go wrong. The album is opened with a cool little effect. Track one contains a clip of Crystal singing at the age of four. As soon as the clip ends with "Fine, I'm glad that you could sing for us today" the first album track kicks in.

The strongest point in The Girl Next Door is the vocal effort put into every song. Each song is sang like it is the last Crystal will ever record and it pays off. Even on the weakest tracks, Bernard saves the songs with powerful and interesting vocals.

"State Of Mind", "You're Gonna Miss A Whole Lotta Love", and "Have We Forgotten What Love Is", the three radio singles sum up what the album is all about. Variety drives this album, it has it all. Fast to slow, no subject is left untouched.

Crystal Bernard has put together a winner with The Girl Next Door. I suggest you pick up a copy of this album. You should see Bernard on top of the charts in the near future.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

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The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection. This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level. This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there. A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy. This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.