Album Review
Wynonna - New Day Dawning
Mercury/CURB Records
Purchase The Album
It has been to long since the last time everyone had the chance to get lost in a Wynonna record. The Other Side was released in 1997 and now three years later the follow-up titled New Day Dawning has been released. Wynonna has switched record labels (again), changed producers (again) and modified her sound (again) yet her sparkling, hypnotic voice is still there and New Day Dawning is a joy.
This albums broad spectrum is part of it's overall appeal. These twelve tracks are all over the place from pop to country to rock and every single song is delivered by one of the best voices in the industry. It's a shame that radio has been ignoring Wynonna and they should be ashamed of themselves if they don't play this record.
"Going Nowhere" opens the album and introduces us to the new Wynonna. The song features unique, heavy background vocals and an interesting beat and vocal pacing. In the end it all blends together flawlessly and is one of the albums best tracks. The title track follows in the same footsteps messing with a wide range of instruments to create a unique sound to back Wynonna's powerful vocals. "Chain Reaction" is a funky tune that is so totally far away from what we expect from Wynonna that you can't help but admire her guts. "He Rocks" and "Tuff Enuff" show Wynonna rocking out like she always has, great stuff.
There are also some powerful ballads on the record. The debut single "Can't Nobody Love You (Like I Do)" is a great love song and displays Wynonna's tender side nicely. "Help Me" is a flawless cover and allows Wynonna to show off some impressive vocal range that I wasn't aware she had in her.
The Judds EP that was included as a bonus in the first run of the CD is titled Big Bang Boogie and it certainly has me interested in another Judds album, even though some of the song selections here are questionable. Could this new album be in the future? I hope so and I'm sure there are others that agree with me.
New Day Dawning is an experimental album. It brings new meaning to the term being all over the musical spectrum. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. In fact, odds are you'll love all of it. When the last seconds of this album come out of the speakers it seems like a trip that was simply to short. It's always nice to see an artist push themselves musically. A worthwhile and enjoyable journey.
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. |