Review
By: Doug Morris
Independent Music Appreciation Group
The album is offered as a collection
of songs dealing with a woman's perspective of a troubled relationship,
but for my two cents worth, it's a good collection
of 12 really fine songs. Of course, I'm a man, so what do I know, right?
That said, allow me to point out that Lolene wrote 6 of the songs by
herself, and
co-wrote another with her friend Suzanne Smith. There is an excellent
mix of songs among these tracks, some toe tappers and some slow ballads,
and
they're
all pretty good. I do have some favorites though.
First one I'll talk about is "What Am I Gonna Do", because this
is a pure country, slow tempo ballad that would be perfect for close dancing
with
your sweetheart. The instrumental work in the background is also pure country,
with lead guitar, steel, keyboard and all being gloriously aided by one
some of the best fiddle work I've heard lately. The combination results
in a song
that just cries it's heart out right there in your speakers!
I also liked the instrumental work the band did in "I Know Where You're
Comin' From", especially the piano breaks. I have often admitted to
being a fool for a good piano sound. Lolene had an excellent band behind
her in the
studio and some mighty fine sound work too. It shows in every song in the
whole album!
Other "best of" songs are "The Deal's Gone Down" which has
a hint of the blues showing through in it, "You Say The Word", "I
don't Mind The Rain", "Me Without You", and "You Never Come." The
other titles are also good, which is why I put clips of all 12 tracks on
this page.
Want a general ruling on the album as a whole? It's hard to beat an album
with this many really good songs on it, and when you consider that this
is Lolene's
debut album, it's hard to see how she'll be able to do better on her
next one, but I'll bet she does. BTW, the next album is supposed to be
out in early 2004.

