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

Album Review

Trick Pony
On A Mission
Warner Bros. Records

Trick Pony’s debut album was just a fun dose of modern honky-tonk music. Who would have thought that a drinkin’ song would make it big on country radio again? Much less one sung by a female vocalist. But Heidi Newfield absolutely nailed the vocal on “Pour Me” and the bands raw sound was refreshing. That was all it took to launch Trick Pony to stardom and make them a household name. After a number of hit singles off the debut album and being named "Favorite New Country Artist" at the American Music Awards and “Top New Vocal Group” by the Academy of Country Music the trio had the daunting task of recording their follow-up album. The good news is Trick Pony has delivered again with another collection of solid tunes.

The debut single from this album “On A Mission” is much like “Pour Me,” an upbeat country rocker with Heidi’s rough, Tanya Tucker like voice roaring. It’s one of those songs you find yourself humming hours after you last heard it. The current single “A Boy Like You” is one of Heidi’s best vocal performances and it’s damn catchy. There is no doubt that this one is going to be a big hit. The best songs on this record like on their debut are their upbeat ones. “Hillbilly Blues” and “Fast Horse” are other examples of what Trick Pony does best. Heidi’s vocals are just great on this record and she makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs. In fact there are only a couple slow songs on this release. What Trick Pony record would be complete without a song with a legend? This time they team up with Willie Nelson for a version of “Whisky River" that works quite well.

The guys in the group (Keith Burns and Ira Dena) also turn in some solid songs. “Leavin’ Seems To Be The Going Thing” and “Love Is A Ball” could both be good follow-up tunes to “Just What I Do.”

Trick Pony is on a misson alright and it is to invade your radio with some of the biggest hits of the year. This new record is a solid collection of upbeat tunes that really shows off all the things that this talented trio has to offer. At this rate there will be no stopping Trick Pony. On A Mission hits its mark and this one should fly off the shelves.

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.