Album Review

Victoria Shaw - Victoria Shaw
Reprise Records

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Many people know Victoria Shaw, the songwriter. Not as many know Victoria Shaw, the artist. Her 1995 release, In Full View recieved only a half-hearted welcome. The album showed a one sided artist, who wanted to find her music in a very restricted form. Being a songwriter of such depth, the limited material on that release shocked me. Now Victoria is ready to try again with her second album titled Victoria Shaw.

What a difference a few years can make. Shaw has matured into the artist her songwriting ability hinted at. Co-writing eight of the albums ten tracks gives the whole CD a very personal feeling. The material not written by Victoria doesn't lack strength, a flawless remake of the Linda Rhonstat classic "Different Drums," and the catchy "Stuck On You," could be two of the albums top tracks.

From heartbreaking ballads like "In Spite Of It All," to the carefree feeling of "Just To Say We Did," Shaw ignores no part of the musical spectrum. She always had the voice, now she has what she was missing, depth and variety. While In Full View lacked something when you listen to it, the variety thrown at you in Victoria Shaw makes for an entertaining listen.

If Victoria Shaw can maintain the quality of music found on Victoria Shaw, her future as a recording artist seems very bright.

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.