Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Lynn Miles - Night In A Strange Town
Philo/Rounder Records

When is the last time that you heard an album that struck you as being fresh and unique? It's probably been awhile. Artists are being forced to conform to an "acceptable" sound that will be easily recognizable to new country fans and to radio programmers. The end result is that everything sounds pretty much the same. In fact, I have seen a number of instances where people hear a new song on the radio and can't figure out who sings it because everyone sounds so similar. That might be why it's so refreshing to hear something completely different than what you hear on country radio. Night In A Strange Town proves to be an enjoyable collection of tunes and a solid follow-up to her debut Slightly Haunted.

The album opens with three wonderful songs. The albums two best tracks open the album. "Anywhere" and "Middle of the Night" are wonderful acoustic flavored tunes. Miles voice floats through the stunning "The One You're Waiting For". "Sacre Coeur" is another winner, which seems to be the case with just about any song Miles sings that has a little bit of pace. Miles deals with bad love in an aching story on "Wrong". It becomes very clear that Miles is an exceptional story teller along the lines of Lucinda Williams. The distinct instrumental of "Sunset Blvd" is matched only by the unique lyrics and it all comes together to form an addictive tune.

Lynn Miles unique blend of folk, rock, and country sends a strong message out to people who feel all music in a particular genre has to sound the same. What makes music entertaining is going through those unique musical journeys with an artist. Unfortunately most of the country music industry has forgotten that. Night In A Strange Town is a journey worth taking.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

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.