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

Album Review

Tanya Tucker
Tanya
Tuckertime Records

It's been a long five years since Tanya Tucker's fans have gotten the chance to hear new music. 1997's Complicated was a distinct sounding record which spawned the hit "Little Things". Then Tanya seemed to drop off the radar. But now with a renewed interest in recording the country legend has returned with Tanya, the first album on her own label, Tuckertime Records. With this new album she has proven, as she has so many times in the past, that making great country records just comes naturally to her.

Tanya opens with "Old Weakness (Coming On Strong)", which is an old Patty Loveless song. It's a great tune and Tanya's distinctive, raspy vocals add a whole different dimension of attitude to the song. It would be a great choice for a single. Tucker also tackles another song recorded by Patty originally. "Over My Shoulder", which shows a sensitive side of Tanya that doesn't always come to the surface. It takes guts to go and record two songs that already have solid versions of them out there. But that didn't stop Tanya and her versions rival the originals you might be familiar with already.

The debut single from the album, "A Memory Like I'm Gonna Be," was co-written by Tanya's fiancé (as were many of the songs on this record) and it's as classic Tanya as you can get. We can only hope that more stations add this song to their playlists. Tanya also shows off her own writing skills on "Should'a Thought About That" which is all attitude and has a unique vibe. "I Can Live Without You (But Not Very Long)" is also a solid track. The quirky instrumental and lyrics to "I Still Hear Your Voice" will get you singing along.

It's good to hear Tanya Tucker singing again. She's a true legend in this buisness and her distinct voice is one you won't forget once you've heard her sing. Tanya is a solid, well balanced album showing all the different faces of this artist. It's worthy of her return and here's to hoping we don't have to wait so long for the follow-up.

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.