Album Review
Allison Moorer
Miss Fortune
Universal South
Purchase The Album
Allison Moorer is one of the music businesses true talents. She’s a world class songwriter and backs up her writing talents with a sultry voice that demands you stop and listen. Her music is a throwback to the country music of old, overflowing with emotion and a stripped down vibe. Her first two MCA records Alabama Song and The Hardest Part still stand as some of the strongest records to come out of Nashville by a new talent. Now Allison is back with her debut Universal South record Miss Fortune and she has managed to outdo herself and record the best album of her career to date.
The debut single “Cold In California” is one of the mid-paced acoustic guitar and string driven songs that suit Allison’s expressive voice so well. It’s truly radio’s loss if they decide not to play this song. It dances circles around the current offerings filling the airwaves. “Let Go” is an intimate, laid back performance without much more than acoustic backing Allison and that’s all she needs. Alison also wrote a song with Bruce Robison titled “Can’t Get There From Here” which appeared on his latest record. If you missed it that time around, make sure you hear it this time. It’s a hell of a song. We can only hope these two write together again.
Allison also balances the album out with some fun upbeat songs like “Ruby Jewel Was Here” and “Hey Jezebel”. These songs are a nice change of pace from the heavier material on the album and both stand a chance to turn some heads on radio. Especially “Hey Jezebel” with its in-your-face attitude. The rocking "Going Down" is also a real winner.
There are also songs on Miss Fortune which defy being tucked neatly into one category. “Steal The Sun” with it’s strings section feels like an old torch ballad tune. “No Place For A Heart” also feels like a flashback to musical times of old. Both are great and add to the incredible musical depth found here.
With Miss Fortune Allison Moorer has really found her sound. The songs are well written, confidently sung, and always enjoyable. This is not an album you’ll soon be able to get out of your head. If you’re tired of all the meaningless fluff out there right now give this album a shot. We’re all very lucky to have artists like Allison around and when all is said and done this album will stand as one of the very best of 2002.
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. |