Album Review
Kathy Mattea - Love Travels
Mercury Records
Purchase The Album
Country music is due for a change. For the past few years I have noticed a trend develop and it is doing nothing but hurting country music. We have a lot of artists who are afraid to be themselves and sing music in any style different from mainstream (the stuff we hear on the radio all day). I can fully understand why a new artist would do this, they don't want to loose a contract they have dreamed about for their whole lives. So who does that leave to bring on the change? The established artists, that have been around and have a large fan base. In Kathy Mattea's newest album "Love Travels" we get a taste of how great country music can be when a artist is allowed the freedom to sing from their heart.
By now everyone has heard Kathy's hit single "455 Rocket," which is on this disc. A fun car song with a raw, earthy country beat. I truly believe it is one of the best songs to hit the airwaves in the last year or two. The new sound is such a refreshing change from what we hear all the time on the radio that you have to be drawn to listen to it. Quite frankly, I was shocked that radio played it. When I first got Kathy's album and listened to it my thoughts were, "Great album Kathy, but you aren't going to get it played." Well, I was wrong and I hope that I continue to be wrong because almost every song on this disc has top 5 potential.
"Love Travels" contains a large variety of music ranging from the pop sounding title track to powerful ballads. When you listen to a album with that much variety, it is impossible to get tired of it! Trust me, I haven't taken it out of my stereo since I got it and find something else to like about the album each time I listen to it.
If we look at the album for possible singles "Patiently Waiting" would make a logical second one. A mid paced tune about a girl just wanting to break away. "I'm On Your Side" is another possibility, a rockin' song that resembles "455 Rocket". The truth is any song on this disc could be a single and could be a hit. That is something I can very rarely say with confidence.
Kathy Mattea has a true winner on her hands. Words can't describe the music, it has to be heard. One thing is for sure, I think you can expect to see Kathy's name among the album of the year nominees.
Album Review by Jeff Krasky
The WOC Rating Scale |
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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. |