Sing - Chapter 1

Prime Cuts: Women Be Wise, Sing, That's How Rhythm was Born

Is Wynonna singing her kiss of death? In today's volatile market where an artist is only as famous as his or her latest hit, Wynonna is in some precarious position considering that her last hit was 2005's "Attitude" which only peaked at a paltry 40th position. Instead of releasing a brand new CD stocked with potential hits, Wynonna has released "Sing," a covers album (save for one the title track which is a new song from the pens of Rodney Crowell). It really makes avid fans wonder: is this Wynonna's last contractual record for Curb? Does this mean that Wynonna's reign on the country singles chart days is over? Commerciality aside, this is stellar record with a palette of well chosen songs some of which are culled from the margins of the American songbook while others have had their time in the spotlight. Most exquisite is Wynonna's trademark vocals: she can still lacerate with fire and stone, whisper with understated vulnerability and rock like she's the unequivocal Big Bluesy Momma of all time. Further, former Judds' masterminds, producers Brent Maher and Don Potter allow each track to bare their individuality rather than confine them all to a cookie-cutter genre.

Wynonna takes a dip in the swampy mire of the Delta with the blues swing of "That's How Rhythm was Born," giving this Boswell Sisters hit a new lease of life. Changing gears into some good time rock n' roll is Wynonna's take on Stevie Ray Vaugh's "This House's Rocking" which finds the lady percolating along a funky groove. Never tired of surprises, Bonnie Riatt's infectious "Women Be Wise" is a R&B tinged blues; listen especially to how the song starts with the plucking of some guitar nylons before bursting into an all-out warning to all women to keep an extra eye on their good lookin' mates. While staunch country fans would have "Are the Good Times Really Over" on repeat. This Merle Haggard original enjoys a rural charm when Wynonna waxes nostalgia: "I wish a buck was still silver/It was back when the country was strong/Back before Elvis; before the Vietnam War came along/Before The Beatles and "Yesterday"/When a man could still work, and still would/Is the best of the free life behind us now?"

On the album's quieter moments, nothing is more majestic than Wynonna's rendition of the Burt Bacharach classic "Anyone Who Has a Heart." Never hurried, Wynonna takes her time to nuance each word with verve and meaning. Backed by a bevy of strings, Wynonna's performance here is exquisite. As Wynonna once said that Nat King Cole's "When I Fall in Love" is one of her top 5 favorites and she shows with her affecting delivery. Though Wynonna does not possess the tear-stained distinctive of Tammy Wynette on the first lady's signature tune "Till I Get It Right," Wynonna still demonstrates that when it comes to old fashioned country heartbreak she still has the chomps. The newly composed "Sing," a gorgeous testimony of the therapeutic power of music, starts off slow before swelling triumphantly in the chorus.

This is a multifarious affair: never restricted to an era or genre of songs, Wynonna presents a buffet of songs; songs that meant something to her over the years. Glad to say they are well chosen and in Wynonna's deft hands, they sound like they were written just for the diva. Nevertheless, in this competitive age, let's hope Curb will just let Wynonna sing regardless of whether this CD generates hits or not.

Wynonna Judd has an excellent voice and it's great that she has released another CD! This truly is an album with different types of music on it; and it all showcases Wynonna's ability to carry a tune in different genres of music and make it all sound just so easy. Wynonna possesses so much talent; and just one listen to this album proves it. It's also important to note that this is primarily a CD of cover songs by other artists; the only original song on this album is "Sing" which is by Rodney Crowell. This album is Wynonna's way of paying tribute to artists who have influenced her or who have impressed her along the way.

"That's How Rhythm Was Born" has Wynonna singing her heart out on this tune which is a wonderful tribute to the Boswell Sisters! The Boswell Sisters deserve to be remembered more than they are; but maybe with Wynonna's work here they will get noticed again. Wynonna delivers "That's How Rhythm Was Born" with lots of enthusiasm and the music fits in perfectly. "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" shines like a bright star when Wynonna Judd sings this with all her heart; I am very impressed. Hank Williams would be proud! There's also "I Hear You Knocking;" "I Hear You Knocking" has an awesome beat and the slight country twist on the arrangement lets Wynonna really put her own stamp on this classic ballad! "I Hear You Knocking" was written by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King and it remains a well known rhythm and blues tune even in our times.

"Are The Good Times Really Over" places Wynonna Judd squarely in the spotlight--right where she belongs! Wynonna conveys so much emotion as she sings this to perfection--and beyond! "Are The Good Times Really Over?" is yet another big tune on this album. Listen also for "The House Is Rockin'" by Stevie Ray Vaughan; Wynonna's rendition of Stevie's ballad rocks with just a twist of country and I love every minute of it!

"Anyone Who Had A Heart" is a Burt Bacharach number that I always loved; and when Wynonna sings it she truly does justice to this love song. "Anyone Who Had A Heart" has a fine arrangement and that's grand. "When I Fall In Love" was written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young and sung by such greats as Nat "King" Cole, Doris Day and The Lettermens; Wynonna delivers this masterfully and I really like "When I Fall In Love."

The album ends with that solitary original number by Rodney Crowell entitled "Sing." "Sing" has a pretty melody and Wynonna sings this like the pro she always is! The backup singers also enhance "Sing."

I notice that Wynonna Judd has entitled her latest album Sing: Chapter 1. I really hope that she means just that: I would love for her to do another album along these lines as a type of Chapter 2! I highly recommend this CD for Wynonna Judd fans and people who like music that is just plain awesome will not be disappointed.

Incredible CD from Wynonna! Absolutely stunning voice! Buy this album, you won't be dissapointed at all!

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