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

Album Review

Trisha Yearwood
Inside Out
MCA Records

It's hard to believe that Trisha Yearwood has been on the country music scene for 10 years now. In that time period Yearwood has proven to be one of the most diverse and powerful recording artists in Nashville. The quality of her material has constantly been outstanding and her newest release Inside Out is no exception.

The album opens with the roaring "Love Alone". The song shows off Yearwood's raw power deliveries she has perfected. It would make a great single. She covers Rosanne Cash's "Seven Year Ache" with ease. Rosanne even steps in to lend a helping hand. The title track and current single "Inside Out" features a guest appearance by Don Henley and is a distinct tune unlike anything else on the album. The funky pop beat of "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" is another unexpected surprise that works well.

Trisha Yearwood's specialty has always been her ballads and there are some real winners here. The hit single "I Would've Loved You Anyway" is a classic example. She also covers two Rebecca Lynn Howard ballads and make them her own. "I Don't Paint Myself Into Corners" has all the components to be a modern day masterpiece. Then you have the incredibly sad "Melancholy Blue" which Yearwood simply nails.

There are a few toss away tracks on this record. "For A While" never seems to get off the ground. "Second Chance" just doesn't have enough to make it stand out from any of the other material you'll hear on radio this year.

Trisha Yearwood has delivered again. Her diverse musical influences make each album a completely different adventure. Inside Out is a much smoother, radio friendly album than Real Live Woman was. It also proves that Yearwood can take any tune and turn it into something special. She's simply one of the most talented artists in Nashville today. I'm looking forward to the next ten years.

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.