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

Album Review

Mindy McCready - I'm Not So Tough
BNA Records

I'm happy to report that with the release of I'm Not So Tough Mindy McCready has returned to the top of her game. After hearing the music on her sophomore effort If I Don't Stay The Night I started to have my doubts. A bad case of the sophomore jinx to put it lightly. However, like all good artists McCready took time to learn from her mistakes and has returned with a completely enjoyable collection of modern country tunes that are unlike anything you'll hear on other albums.

It took one track to catch my attention and just a few more to realize I was listening to one of the better albums of 1999. The album opens with the title track, a challenging tune full of the classic McCready attitude. "Tumble and Roll" effectively discusses the challenges of falling in love. The debut single "All I Want Is Everything" will have you laughing along with McCready's comic lyrics. Two of the albums best tracks are found in "I've Got A Feeling" and "Over and Over" which feature some of the most distinctive sounding instrumentals to hit country music in quite awhile. You'll find it hard to resist "Take Me Apart".

While most of I'm Not So Tough are upbeat country rockers Mindy reminds us that she knows how to deliver a ballad on a couple of stellar tracks like "Dream On" and "Thunder and Roses".

When the last notes roll of this CD you'll be wishing McCready had given you just a little bit more to enjoy. It's the best album of her career and a worthy addition to anyone's music collection. I'm Not So Tough reminds us that country music can be a load of fun. It also proves to us that McCready will be putting out worthwhile music for a long time to come.

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.