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

Album Review

Victoria Shaw - Old Friends, New Memories
Taffeta Records

Victoria Shaw made one of the most difficult decisions any artist can make. She decided to leave a major record label (Reprise) in favor of recording independently on her own record label (Taffeta). It's a daring risk to leave a major label which is made even more difficult when you take into consideration the fact that artists wait their whole lives to land a contract like that. However Victoria has always had one of the most beautiful voices in the business and is also one hell of a songwriter. Combining those talents with the freedom found being out on your own has resulted in Shaw's best album to date.

The album opens with "That's How Much I Love You". If you're expecting an instrumental look elsewhere. This song features humming and hand-clapping as the only background music to Victoria's addictive voice. This kind of song would never even be recorded on a major label, which is a shame because it's so addictive I can't stop listening to it.

Victoria has always been a ballad singer and a majority of the songs found here follow that trend. "Tripped" is one of the best, a beautifully written song that is masterfully delivered by Shaw. I was surprised when I read that she didn't write the song, it sounds like her own work. "The Other Woman" is a stunning look at the transformation from a mother to a wife for a night out with her husband. This song will cause more than a few people to pause in awe.

Old Friends, New Memories features a number of cover songs from other artists. Cover songs in terms that other artists have recorded them previously but Victoria wrote them all. You'll find versions of "She's Every Woman", "The River", "I Love The Way You Love Me" and "Too Busy Being In Love" all make appearances here.

Victoria Shaw has the talent. There has never been any doubt about that. Now with the freedom of being an independent artist, I doubt there is anything that can stop her from recording incredible albums for years to come. Her voice sparkles through these 14 tracks and her writing has never been better. Order this album now, you won't regret even one penny of it.

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.