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

Album Review

Mindy McCready
Mindy McCready
Capitol Records

Mindy McCready fans have waited a long time for this record. The music world has heard very little from McCready since the almost completely ignored I’m Not So Tough album which turned out to be her last for BNA Records. Since then she’s signed with Capitol Records and been hard at work on her fourth record and it’s a winner.

Consistency has been a problem for McCready in the past. Her debut record Ten Thousand Angels was a winner and scored a number of hit singles. Then she released the abysmal follow-up If I Don’t Stay The Night. Things were not looking good for Mindy but then she swung in a new musical direction and released her best album to day with I’m Not So Tough but radio ignored it. Now with her self-titled fourth record Mindy has managed to combine the sound that brought her success early in her career with the catchy, rootsy edge that she developed later on.

The debut single “Scream” was released a while back and is a real winner. It’s one of the best songs on the album and a hell of a ballad. Still we didn’t see an album as they worked on completing the project. The end result is the bouncy new single “Maybe, Maybe Not” which is signature McCready. It should do well on the airwaves.

The rest of the album is full of solid light pop country songs. McCready’s distinctive voice suits these songs well. She covers Chely Wright’s “The Fire” with ease. Then has a little fun with songs like “Lips Like Yours”. “I Just Want Your Love” and “Don’t Speak” have very cool grooves. You almost feel like you’re out in the tropics somewhere. My pick for the next single? “You Get To Me” is a catchy little song that you’ll have a hard time getting out of your head. It could be her next “Guys Do It All The Time” caliber hit.

Mindy McCready is a diverse and powerful vocalist. She’s able to jump from sound to sound comfortably and the end result is a balanced, fun record. It’s a solid return to country music and an enjoyable trip through modern country music landscapes. Get a copy of this record. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Mindy very soon.

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.