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

Album Review

Jessica Andrews
Now Dreamworks Records

Jessica Andrews had a taste of success when the title track from her previous album “Who I Am” screamed up the charts. It looked like Jessica had finally found the right songs to become a star. However, the rest of the album never lived up to the success of that leadoff single. It’s been three years since the release of that album and now Jessica is back with a new more mature image and a slicker sound. The result is the new album Now which manages to keep the unique flavor of Jessica’s music while being even more radio friendly.

The debut single “There’s More to Me than You” is one of the best songs that Jessica has ever recorded and she even had a hand in writing it. It’s an upbeat, strong willed song that will have you singing along. It’s a perfect song for the summer, in the car with the windows rolled down. “When Gentry Sings Guitar” is probably the most “old school” Jessica Andrews you’re going to get on this record and her vocals soar. She sounds confident and in control. “They Are The Roses” is a strange little song that works well anyway.

Jessica also has an ear for a good song. There are a number of songs on this record written by Troy Verges who wrote “Who I Am” on Jessica’s last record. He’s one of the hottest writers around right now and he delivers a number of good ones for Jessica record here. “I Wish for You” is a powerful mid-paced song that would make a really radio-friendly single. The ballad “Never Be Forgotten” sounds a little bit like something Faith Hill might record and Andrews proves that she’s got a voice big enough to hang with the best in the business. “Window on a Train” and “Sunshine and Love” are both strong as well.

Now is nothing revolutionary. It’s the same run-of-the-mill pop country that is all over the radio right now. Yet, somehow Jessica manages to make it interesting. She has a distinct voice and seems more confident now as a singer than ever. With her new look and a solid new album, look for her to be all over the radio for awhile now. This could be the release that finally makes her a big time star. You might not be listening to Now a couple years down the road but for the time being it is an enjoyable romp through modern country sounds.

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.