Album Review

Shanley Del - My Own Sweet Time
BMG Australia

Shanley Del's sophomore release My Own Sweet Time is a collection of 14 songs that shows moments of greatness hidden in with the filler music.

With the right song Shanley's high fluid voice sparkles. A cover of Patricia Conroy's "Keep Me Rocking," has much more attitude than the original and is a definite winner. "You're The Reason (I Don't Sleep At Night)," has a simple, traditional feel that highlights Shanley's voice perfectly. The albums opener "You Want To See Angels," is one of the best. The beautiful "Walls," screams hit.

Unfortunately the album doesn't continually hold that high standard. "Shame On The Moon," is a boring, emotionless cover of a Rodney Crowell tune. A simple acoustic guitar provides much of the background for a disappointing "Old Friends."

Much of the album only seems to get half of Shanley's attention. After a few tracks each song starts sounding the same. When the music dies down to just a single guitar Shanley's high pitched voice tends to grind.

While the solid tracks on this album are equal in quality to anything put out by the industries big names, this album still comes off as lacking. Don't count Shanley out though, there is no denying the talent she possesses. Give her another album or two and she'll be turning out hits with the best of them.

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.