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

Album Review

Rebecca Lynn Howard
Forgive
MCA Records

Rebecca Lynn Howard’s first MCA records release in 2000 struck me as somewhat of a disappointment. She had a powerful voice and at times really delivered the goods with songs like “I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners.” But the album just seemed to fall a little flat and ended up being run of the mill. However, there was no way of denying the talent she possesses and I had a feeling good things were coming from Howard and I was looking forward to getting my hands on her new album Forgive. The album is a more mature collection with better writing and a successful blend of country and pop sounds.

The title track from the album is an absolute knockout of a song. An incredibly potent story and a powerhouse vocal performance drive this tune home. This song deserved to be an even bigger hit than it was and really shows how damn good Rebecca can be when she’s got the right song. “It Didn’t Look Like Alcohol” also falls into this category. This song sound be a single and is one of the better ballads I’ve heard in a long time. It’s got an inventive story, which is hard to come by when a country singer decides to sing a slow song. Those two songs also prove that Rebecca Lynn Howard is a hell of a writer. She had a hand in writing 7 of the tracks on Forgive.

While Howard’s slower songs tend to be vocal showcases her upbeat songs tend to be a little quirky. Luckily she doesn’t go overboard on this record. The album opens with “Beautiful To You” a really heavily pop flavored tune that is obviously aimed right at the heart of country radio. Surprisingly enough it’s still a good song, though you have to wonder with a little stripped down production if it couldn’t have been even better. “Dancin’ In God’s Country” is a humorous little song that is one of the more traditionally flavored songs found here. I would also be surprised if “Life Had Other Plans For Me” didn’t make it out as a single and did well. It’s another example of an artist who is obviously tuned into what popular radio wants. “Pink Flamingo Kind of Love” is just plain weird but you still find yourself singing along.

The only problem with Forgive is it feels like a random collection of tracks thrown together. Almost like you have two different artists on the same album. You’ve got one artist who’s trying to blend the traditional sounds of old time country music into her songs and one who’s just flat out going for the heart of the pop country radio. It’s going to be really interesting to see what direction Rebecca Lynn Howard ends up going when she’s got another couple of records out. We can only hope that she refuses to give up on her country roots and keeps some of those songs on her albums. They are usually the highlights.

Forgive is a big step in the right direction for Rebecca Lynn Howard. It’s a confident collection of songs that are powerfully sung and for the most part well written. It’s got a little something for everyone and anyone who hasn’t already heard of Rebecca is about to find out what the fuss is about. This album is worth owning.

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.