The Bottom Line
Pros
- “Dress Rehearsal”
- ”Simple Life”
- ”Die Of A Broken Heart”
Cons
- None.
Description
- 11 of 12 songs co-written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson
- Produced by Dann Huff and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
- Modern country music with plenty acoustic instruments.
Guide Review - Dress Rehearsal - Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Carolyn Dawn Johnson (CDJ) first became popular around Nashville for her songwriting. After scoring a few big hits as a writer, Arista Nashville signed her to a record deal and released “Room With A View” in 2001. That album featured many great songs including a couple big hits. On “Dress Rehearsal” CDJ has joined with hot producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Lonestar) to create one of the better albums released by a female vocalist in the last couple of years.The title track leads off the album and is tells us that we only have one life to live and that we should take time to make those close to us part of our life. The first single, “Simple Life,” while the only song she didn’t write, fits CDJ like a glove. I have a feeling that “Die of a Broken Heart” will be a huge hit. It’s a classic country ballad that features Keith Urban on harmony vocals and guitar. “Squeezin’ The Love Outta You” is a fun little ditty while “My Little Secret” rocks like it’s 1970. “Life As We Know It” has a timeless Beatles sound to it (Amy Grant also helps out on harmony vocals). The closing track, “I’ll Let You Go” has somewhat predictable lyrics yet is performed very well and showcases a father-daughter bond pretty well.
On “Dress Rehearsal” CDJ has joined with hot producer Dann Huff to create one of the better albums released by a female vocalist in the last couple of years; If this record isn’t huge for CDJ then something’s wrong with country radio and their fans.
