Women of Country - Album Reviews

Album Review

Rachel Proctor
Where I Belong
BNA Records

Rachel Proctor has run up against some tough competition. When your debut album comes out in the same year as Gretchen Wilson and Julie Roberts debuts you’ve got your work cut out for you. The most interesting thing about the class of 2004 is that each of these artists has their own unique style that helps them maintain their own identities. Rachel’s music is by far the most pop-country mainstream of the bunch and brings to mind many of the qualities of an artist such as Martina McBride.

Rachel had a hand in writing six of the songs on this album and most of them represent the album highlights. The upbeat and optimistic “Days Like These” is a great opening track for this album. The single “Me and Emily” turns things 360 degrees with the big power ballad about a mother running from an abusive husband to save her daughter from the problems that were bound to surface. It’s on tracks like these that Proctor most resembles McBride but only in content as Rachel processes a completely different type of voice. The wild tempo changes of “I’m Gonna Get You Back” is creative and gives the song an interesting dynamic. The in-your-face attitude of the lyrics completes the package making it one of the best tracks on this album. “If You’re Gonna Leave Me (Leave Me Alone)” is similar in style and is equally as strong.

Rachel also proves to have a good ear for picking out strong material from other songwriters. It’s unusual for a debut album to have this kind of quality material from the usual suspects in Nashville songwriting. “Shame on Me” has a cool grove and is one of the most country sounding songs on the record complete with some fiddle solos. “Didn’t I” will remind you a little bit of early Faith Hill music.

However, there are still some slip-ups on this record. The closing track “Where I Belong” is an absolute snooze. It never gets itself off the ground. “Strong as an Oak” is the only song on the album co-written by Rachel that doesn’t really work; the other examples of her work found here are much more interesting. “We Did It Our Way” is also very generic. These few bland tracks keep this from being a really exceptional debut record.

When all is said and done Where I Belong is a very strong debut record. Rachel has a powerful voice and can write some great songs. In a time when everyone is making records with this style of music it’s hard to make yourself standout and Proctor manages to do so with dynamic performances. This is an artist to keep your eyes on. If radio gives her a chance, she could be the next big thing.

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.