Jennifer Hanson - Jennifer Hanson

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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke

From the opening bars of Jennifer Hanson’s debut single “Beautiful Goodbye” you know that she is a different kind of country music vocalist. In a time when most female country singers are pining for crossover success to the pop/adult contemporary charts, Jennifer Hanson states in her biography that while her songs have a heavy pop/rock influence, she doesn’t intend to crossover.

With a refreshing outlook like that it’s no wonder Jennifer has been embraced with open arms by radio. The uniqueness of “Beautiful Goodbye” has the song rising the charts and helping to make Jennifer Hanson’s self-titled debut record one of the most anticipated new releases of 2003.

A California native, Jennifer Hanson was born into a musical family. Her mom was a singer in bar bands and her dad was the guitar player. Since the mid 1980’s her father is a member of Alabama’s touring band. Having musical influences as parents, it was only natural for Jennifer to follow in their footsteps and become a musician/singer.

The previously mentioned “Beautiful Goodbye” opens up the album. With the slightly distorted guitars and Hammond organ, the song is a different sounding country song. Some have said that this song sounds like Sheryl Crow song and while I can hear some similarities, I don’t totally “buy” that opinion. It is a great song about having a different reaction to a break-up.

“Just One Of Those Days” is a song that despite its female skewed lyrics, most guys will relate to as well. It’s about surviving through a bad day. It is very relatable and the music is catchy will have you dancing along.

“Half A Heart Tattoo” is a clever song. The lyrics are about a woman who meets another woman with a tattoo that’s the same as hers. They both realize that their former ex is one in the same and talk about how he must get each girl he’s with one of them. I hear echoes of Martina McBride when I listen to this song.

Those thinking that Jennifer Hanson cannot sing a “country” song only need to listen to the Mark Nesler penned “This Far Gone.” It is a song about finally being able to leave the person you love, despite never really ever trying ‘til this time thus the line “I’ve never been this far gone.”

“All Those Yesterdays” sounds like something that’d fit on a Trisha Yearwood record. Written as a tribute to her grandmother, Jennifer has written a song about cherishing the memories you save even when the other people say “you can’t hold on to the past.” Mark Nesler, Jennifer’s husband, sings harmony vocals on this song as well.

“Baby I Was Wrong” is a song with a nice romantic groove to it. This is a quasi-duet with the songwriter, Mark Nesler. They sing the chorus and the second verse together. The song is about growing more and more in love with each other. It’s a positive love song that could become a wedding hit.

When you add up all the songs, they make Jennifer Hanson’s debut record one cohesive record. Jennifer Hanson co-wrote eight of the songs while her husband, Mark Nesler, wrote the other three. If you like modern country that wears its influences on its sleeves, then pick up Jennifer Hanson’s fine debut record.

Song List:

1. Beautiful Goodbye
2. Just One Of Those Days
3. Half A Heart Tattoo
4. This Far Gone
5. Get Yourself Back
6. All Those Yesterdays
7. Travis
8. One Little Word
9. It Isn't Just Raining
10. Baby I Was Wrong
11. Simply Yours