Album Review
Susan Ashton - Closer
Capitol Records
Purchase The Album
If you would have asked me a few years ago to pick the best releases of the year I would have found the task difficult. The quality of music during that time period was outstanding and you could be pretty confident that an album you bought would be a good one. But the quality of music has continually degraded every year and now I could easily name a list of the top 5 best releases of the year due to the fact there aren't enough albums that stand a chance of competing for that spot. Susan Ashton Closer has now claimed a place on that list.
I've had this album since the week that it came out and have been playing it since. It all started with her second single from the album "You're Lucky I Love You" which I will back with the claim of one of the best mainstream country singles of the year. It's just so damn fun. In fact there are a number of very fun tunes here. "Breathless" is a tongue twister about being completely head-over-heels over someone. When you get to the bizarre "Supernatural" and you realize that Ashton can sing anything with conviction, another great song on an album full of them. The album's opening track "Come On Out Of The Rain" is another solid upbeat tune. "Think Of Me" deserves mention as well.
Ashton can also deliver an absolutely stunning ballad. She takes the Matraca Berg/Sharon Vaughn penned "Shot For The Moon," and leaves you in awe when the last notes are sung. The mid-paced "Getaway Car" is a surprisingly catchy song about getting away from everyday life, but not in the way you might expect. "I Ain't Gonna Fall For Love Again" was written by Kim Richey and Ashton sings her heart out on the cut. You'll also find the debut single "Faith Of The Heart" here.
Every once in awhile you find an album that completely sweeps you up into that artists world and then makes you want to make a return trip over and over again. Susan Ashton has assembled an incredible collection of songs and brought them to life with her versatile voice. She has rightfully claimed her place in the country music world. It's a shame people aren't buying this album. All I can hope is that you make the right choice and run out and get this album right now. You won't be disappointed for even one moment.
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. |