Album Review
Jo Dee Messina - Burn
Curb Records
Purchase The Album
It has been a long, difficult ride at times for Jo Dee Messina. She entered the country music world in 1996 with a couple of big singles and it looked like she was well on her way to becoming the next big star. Things quickly fell apart. The remaining singles off of her debut album flopped and she disappeared. Two years later she rebounded from near bankruptcy with her sophomore album I'm Alright and had a string of number one hits that most artists only dream of. Now she has presented music fans around the world with Burn. The first single from this album is already looking like a number one and one question is on the mind of every fan. Is there anything that can stop Jo Dee? Simple answer? With an album like Burn there isn't a chance in hell.
When you look at everything that Messina has went through with her career it is surprising that everything she records has such a carefree and fun loving tone. In terms of recording music that is simply fun, Messina is in a league of her own.
"That's The Way" is the autobiographical debut single from the album. Messina shares a lot with us in the tune but the most striking aspect is message that through all the things life will put you through, you've just got to hang in there. Advice that Jo Dee has obviously taken to heart herself. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album. "These Are The Days" is bound to draw comparisons to Martina McBride's "Love's The Only House" with it's harmonica and pop groove. "Downtime" is destined to be a single. "Dare To Dream", "If Not You", and "Closer" are all winners.
Jo Dee has taken a large amount of criticism for her ballads and once again on this release she proves that criticism has been unfairly placed. It seems when an artist records primarily upbeat songs this stereotype is placed on them. She delivers a couple of real winners on this album. Both the title cut "Burn" and the duet with Tim McGraw "Bring On The Rain" are stunning. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see both of them as singles.
Jo Dee Messina has delivered again with Burn. The album is a light hearted journey through the best that modern day country pop has to offer. Messina proves that good albums can be created in this new flavor. If you've got the goods to pull it off. Burn is a scorcher and is an album that any music fan should own.
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. |