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

Album Review

Sherrie Austin - Love In The Real World
ARISTA Records

Sherrie Austin’s debut album Words was one of my favorite releases of 1997. I was fortunate enough to get to tell her that myself during an interview with her. Since the release of that album I have been singing the Austin praise. Who could resist Austin’s attitude and emotional vocals? I eagerly awaited Love In The Real World and now that it’s here I must express my disappointment.

The debut single from this album titled “Never Been Kissed” became country music’s fastest selling single and rightfully so. It contained all the elements that made songs like “Lucky In Love” and “Put Your Heart Into It” so appealing. Unfortunately the rest of the album seems to fall short of high mark set by Words. There are a few exceptions. “Little Bird” is another one of those sassy attitude tracks that fit Austin so well. She sings them like she means them and they never grow old. “Sarah” is my pick for the albums best. It’s a song that will haunt you until you play it over and over again. Then there is “That’s No Way To Break A Heart”. The song appeared on Words and is so beautifully written that it’s hard not to love. My only question is why are we already rehashing old material?

“Heart To Heart” had a lot of potential but was ruined with an absolutely horrible production job. One of the producers obviously had no ear for volume on this track so you find yourself spending the whole four minutes messing with your volume controls as the appropriate listening level continues to change. It’s a shame because the song had hit written all over it.

There really isn’t anything horribly wrong with the remainder of the album. The problem lies in the fact that Austin seems to have toned down one of her best aspects, her attitude. Without it these songs fall into the pool of forgettable tunes that Nashville artists have been releasing lately. If you buy this album odds are you’re going to enjoy it, but only for a few listens and that’s not the mark of an exceptional release.

Sherrie Austin still has my vote for one of the top talents to watch out for. It’s only a matter of time before she gets the big break she deserves. While I don’t expect it to happen with this release don’t doubt that it’s coming. Love In The Real World much like many relationships out there can be fun, but only while it lasts. While I’ve certainly heard worse albums, I’ve also heard many better ones. After a couple of listens odds are you’ll find this album sitting in a CD rack collection dust. Love In The Real World just can’t escape being nothing more than ordinary.

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.