Women of Country - Album Reviews

Album Review

Martina McBride
Timeless
RCA Records

The idea to record an album of classic country covers would be a daunting task for most artists but Martina McBride is not most artists. Martina McBride has one of the most powerful and pure voices found in any musical genre. If there is anyone that could pull off such a daunting project it would be Martina and she’s done just that with Timeless. This is an album which is going to introduce a whole new generation to eighteen of country music’s most classic songs.

The album opens with a version of Hank William’s classic tune “You Win Again”. This is classic country at its finest and Martina really sinks her teeth into the song. “I’ll Be There” could be the best track on this album with Martina’s vocals bouncing over the old time sounds of this Ray Price classic. Other highlights include Lynn Anderson’s “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”, Connie Smith’s “Once A Day” and Loretta Lynn’s classic “You Ain’t Woman Enough”. Martina manages to remain true to these songs while putting her own signature on them.

The ballads “Make The World Go Away” and “Help Me Make It Through The Night” are the vocal highlights of this album. The songs give Martina something to really belt out like only Martina can. For fans not big into classic country music these are the songs which they are most likely to embrace. With that said, it’s unlikely that anyone could listen to this batch of songs and not instantly want to reach for a bunch of old classic records.

Timeless is a very pleasant surprise. Martina McBride has veered more and more towards pop in recent years so it was intriguing to consider the possibilities of her singing a collection of classic country songs. As hard as it is to believe, her voice sounds even better wrapped around this kind of material. Classic songs never grow old and Martina s hould be extremely proud of this project and it’s ability to introduce these great songs to new generations.

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.