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

Album Review

Sherrie Austin
Streets of Heaven
Broken Bow Records

Sherrie Austin stormed onto the country music scene in 1997 with sassy, attitude filled songs like “Lucky In Love” and “Put Your Heart Into It”. It looked like there was going to be no stopping the Australian singer with the huge, distinct voice. Then her second album went largely ignored and she found herself without a label. Her third album suffered an even worse fate with nothing but her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” getting any attention. Sherrie is now ready to make another run at it with a third label and a new album called Streets of Heaven. It’s another solid and enjoyable collection that highlights Sherrie’s distinct vocal delievery.

The albums title track made some noise on the charts and rightfully so. It’s a song which continues to show that Sherrie is a songwriting force to look out for. “Singin’ to the Scarecrow” is trademark quirky Sherrie. She has a way of picking songs that tell you stories you haven't heard before and that's saying something in the cookie cutter Nashville world. The new single “Drivin’ Into The Sun” is aimed right at the sweet spot of mainstream country radio. Look for that to be another hit and all over the airwaves. “Somebody’s Somebody” is another fun track that is bound to be a hit single.

The one thing that Sherrie has never been able to do is capture the in-your-face attitude of the best tracks on her debut album. She’s also never really pushed out into new musical territory. While this album is completely enjoyable it also sounds like the last three Sherrie Austin records and it would be nice to see her branch out and try something new.

Streets of Heaven is a step in the right direction for Sherrie Austin. It’s her most radio friendly album since Words which still keeping her unique vibe. It’s also a stronger record then her last which didn’t hold up to the test of time all that well. This is one you will still be listening to years from now. Here’s to hoping that this album will bring Sherrie enough success to get a follow-up album out the doors quickly and maybe we’ll see the complete return of the attitude loaded singles that brought Sherrie her first hits and separated her from the pack. When that happens, there is nothing stopping Sherrie from putting out the album of the year.

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.