Women of Country - Album Reviews

Album Review

Miranda Lambert
Kerosene
Epic Records

Miranda Lambert isn’t just another pretty face, she’s the real deal. She possesses a refreshingly country voice, is an excellent songwriter, and a talented musician. After ending up as the runner up to Buddy Jewel on Nashville Star it was unclear what was going to happen with Miranda but thankfully Sony quickly signed her to recording contract and work began on her debut album. Kerosene is an excellent record that masterfully blends a little bit of Nashville gloss with a whole lot of Texas soul.

The album opens with the rocking single “Kerosene”. The song perfectly blends the edgier sound of Texas country music with mainstream Nashville pop sensibilities. It’s got hit written all over it. The powerful ballad “Greyhound Bound for Nowhere” will be instantly familiar to anyone who followed Lambert during her time on Nashville Star. It’s expertly crafted and just another example of how accomplished of a songwriter Miranda is at such a young age. The roadhouse twang of “I Can’t Be Bothered” is a welcome change from all the pop gloss currently on country radio. It’s been so long you almost forget what that type of music sounds like. “Me and Charlie Talking”, “New Strings” and “I Wanna Die” are all winners that show off different aspects of Miranda’s diverse style.

The only real complaint lies with “Mama, I’m Alright”. The song sounds forced and sterile. “Love Is Looking For You” is also fairly generic.

All-in-all, with Kerosene Miranda Lambert has established herself as an artistic force to be reckoned with. She writes songs mature beyond her years, sings them with a classic Texas country edge, and manages to appeal to country music fans of all types, even those which might usually shun Texas music. Such a diverse collection is not what you would expect from a young new artist but that’s exactly what Miranda has delivered.

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.