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

Album Review

Chalee Tennison - This Woman's Heart
Asylum Records

Chalee Tennison's debut release was one of the best albums of 1999. However nothing off the album set the charts on fire. It seemed like she was going to be another talent artist kicked under the carpet by the politics of country radio. Thankfully Asylum Records has stood behind Tennison and now her sophomore release This Woman's Heart is in stores. This album is another strong effort from Chalee and might be the one that takes her into the spotlight.

The album opens with "Yes I Was" is an upbeat, fun tune that could do well on country radio. It's also highly biographical much like Tennison's debut single from her first album "Someone Else's Turn To Cry". There is no denying Chalee's distinct, powerful vocal styling on songs like "Somebody Save Me" where she pleads for relief from the difficulties of life. The song has all the elements that make country music great. "Go Back" would be a smash radio hit with it's heartbreaking tale of a father who dies in a truck crash on the way to the hospital to see his wife and his newborn baby.

The debut single from this album "Makin' Up With You" is another light hearted tune. Chalee is great at mixing up the pace of her music so you never feel overwhelmed. One minute you'll be listening to a beautiful ballad and the next a fun filled number that would be perfect for flying down the highway.

There are times when a couple of the slow songs like "We Don't Have To Pray" can get a little bit on the preachy side but you just can't help but like Tennison's vocal performances regardless. If anyone else dealt with a song like that it would be enough to make you press the skip button.

The albums two best tracks come on upbeat, clever tunes. "What I Tell Myself" and "I Ain't" are simply outstanding. "I Ain't" made me think once again that Chalee could turn into a female version of Tim McGraw.

This Woman's Heart offers a little bit of something for everyone. You can't help but feel that most of these songs is telling fans a little bit about Tennison herself. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a stunning vocal performance from one of country music's up an coming stars. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go listen to this record again.

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.