| One Step Ahead - Rhonda Vincent | |
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Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
What I like about bluegrass is the fact that when you hear the very first note of any of the instruments, you know you are going to be in for a treat - as is the case with any Rhonda Vincent album. One Step Ahead proves that the artist has indeed taken herself to a new and even greater level with each and every one of the twelve songs contained in this release.
"Kentucky Borderline" is a descriptive song about a woman that wants to get out of town as she smiles about how the miles she is crossing are flying by so fast. Something within her was saying that it was time to get out and because she finally did, she felt confident about herself.
Sounding just as beautiful with slow songs as she does with uptempos, Rhonda glides her voice over the notes of "You Can't Take It With You When You Go." "I gave you my heart, I gave you my soul completely, you've got my dreams, you've got everything that I need if you leave me alone" she sings emotionally as she wants her man to be sure he wants to make the mistake of leaving her all alone because there will be no second chances.
"One Step Of the Blues" is bluegrass at its finest, not only because Alison Krauss joins in on backup vocals, but because of the upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics. The lesson to be learned in this tune is that you should try to feel confident everyday just so you can be a step ahead of sorrow and bad times that my lie ahead the next day.
Just when you think your mind has been cleared of certain memories, "An Old Memory Found Its Way Back" proves that it is the little things in life that can spring up the past yet again. "Why can't I keep your memory away?" she asks in between comparing the situation to a dog that you drop off outside of town coming back, and a cold that she cannot quite shake.
"Missouri Moon" is one of my favorites from One Step Ahead, because there is such emotion in Rhonda's voice as she sings a beautiful, yet sad, story of a couple that broke up beneath the same moon that had shone so much light and love into their relationship as it began and blossomed. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman's tears flowing down her cheeks after her heart was broken into pieces.
From the a capella "Fishers Of Men," performed by Rhonda, Darrin Vincent, Mickey Harris and Eric Wilson, listeners take a journey while listening to a pure bluegrass instrumental called "Frankie Belle." You can hear each of the mandolins, fiddle, banjo, and the acoustic bass, which are all enjoyable to hear.
Ending the album on a high note, just as she did with The Storm Still Rages, there is a new version of the "Martha White Theme Song," as the last track, which although it is short, it will stay with you long enough to catch yourself humming it to yourself throughout the day.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Album cover, used with permission of Rounder.
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