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

Album Review

Jamie O'Neal
Shiver
Mercury Records

Jamie O'Neal has smashed onto the country music scene with her debut single "There Is No Arizona" making it all the way to number one and the debut album Shiver in the top 20. O'Neal represents the first successful breakthrough solo female country artist in quite awhile. Needless to say I was curious to see what Jamie had in store for us listeners. Shiver definitely makes a statement.

The first track "When I Think About Angels" is strongly reminiscent of a Faith Hill song. The upbeat pop flavored song is without a doubt fun even if it doesn't do much to stand out from the pack. The Jamie hits us with "There Is No Arizona" which is simply stunning and strongly deserving of the number one status it earned. We need more songs like this in country music.

"Where We Belong" allows O'Neal to show off her powerful vocals and more of her songwriting talents (she wrote nine of the thirteen tracks found here). The title track and "Frantic" both have the same distinct, undeniable flavor as "There Is No Arizona" and both would make great singles.

The weak moments of the album come on the songs O'Neal didn't have a hand in writing. "No More Protecting My Heart" is a weird little number that seems like it should have been recorded sometime in the 80's. It's entertaining for a few listens but quickly grows stale. Mark Wills teams up with Jamie for a sappy duet titled "I'm Not Gonna Do Anything Without You" which isn't as good as other duets we've heard in recent years.

Shiver is an impressive debut record. If O'Neal can continue to pen songs with the unique flavor found here it's going to be hard to stop her. It's unfortunate that the material from other writers found her is fairly forgettable. It's all that held this album back from achieving unforgettable status.

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.