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

Album Review

Jennifer Hanson
Jennifer Hanson
Capitol Records

“Beautiful Goodbye” was the right single at the right time and it launched Jennifer Hanson into the spotlight on country radio. The catchy lyric along with a slightly Sheryl Crow styled electric guitar was certainly something a little different. Jennifer also has a distinct, husky vocal style which is bound to turn a few heads. Make no mistake about it, Jennifer Hanson’s debut album is formulated to shoot straight for the heart of the current country/pop trend on country radio. It’s slickly produced and could have easily been another completely forgettable debut. But there is some good songwriting here and Hanson’s voice is not one you’ll soon get out of your mind.

“Just One of Those Days” is an example of the kind of song Jennifer does best. It’s a pop flavored upbeat tune that anyone can relate to. It’s about admitting that you’re just going to have a bad day and it doesn’t really matter what you do. Then you get to “Half a Heart Tattoo” which is so quirky you can’t help but roll your eyes a little bit. Yet you’ll still find your foot taping along with the beat. “Get Yourself Back” and “One Little Word” would both make good follow-up single.

Jennifer slows it down with a couple solid ballads like “This Far Gone” and “Baby I Was Wrong” but she’s just not as convincing of a ballad singer. The highlights of this album are when she picks up the pace and has a little fun.

Jennifer Hanson is one of the more talented new artists out on the scene. She writes solid songs and has a distinctive voice. Given the fact that this album is obviously steered towards the musical style that usually results in disaster it’s impressive that she pulls it off as well as she does. There isn’t anything new or earth shattering here but Jennifer Hanson has put together a solid collection of songs which prove that, when done right, an artist in Nashville’s pop machine can still put out a record worth laying your money down for.

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.