Album Review

Joy Lynn White returns…again. Joy Lynn White had a string of three of the most solid records you’re bound to hear in country music, the latest being the 1997 Little Dog Records release The Lucky Few. For some reason commercial success has been out of Joy’s reach even though she has one of the most distinct, powerful voices in the business. Now without a recording contract she has released a limited run album independently called On Her Own. Since The Lucky Few Joy Lynn has been working on her songwriting and the result is this set of 10 demo tracks of songs she has had a hand in writing. While it’s not as polished as her previous albums and the writing might not be as strong her voice still pushes this album and makes it worth the listen.

The record opens with “Sunday”, a relaxed little tune backed with mainly acoustic instruments. It’s got an extremely stripped down sound, like Joy really is sitting around the house on a Sunday singing about her favorite day. The environment lets her voice shine. Her voice is like none other and you can’t help but be intrigued. “Iris Loves Elmer” is a country roots rocker that Joy penned with Angelo. The ballad “Secret Crush” is the only song she wrote solo on the album and it tells a tale we can all relate to at some point in our lives. Hiding your true feelings from someone who is supposed to be just a friend.

The highlight of On Her Own comes in the form of “Love Sometimes” where Joy lets her voice roar and you can’t help but sing along with her. This song sums up how catchy a typical Joy Lynn White song can be. “An Exception” is an odd little song that almost has an oldies feel too it. It works for her. The title track “On Her Own” seems like an autobiographical tale about where Joy finds herself at this point in her career.

This album might throw you for a loop. For those of you who haven’t heard demo recordings before the raw tracks might take a little getting used to but the album grows on your more and more with each listen. These songs were recorded quickly and done in various recording studios and in co-writer’s houses. Joy also used no kind of pitch correctors, so you get to get a feel for what Joy sounds like live, something most artists aren’t brave enough to do. She’s got the voice to back it up. Joy’s studio albums are better records but it’s just so damn good to hear her singing again that you don’t mind the fact you’re listening to songs that don’t always feel finished. If you’re a fan of distinct country voices then you really need to locate a Joy Lynn White record, she doesn’t disappoint. On Her Own is a worthwhile listen and can be purchased direct from Joy at her Official Homepage.

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.