Mary Chapin Carpenter - Come On, Come On
Mary-Chapin Carpenter was already a well-respected folk artist when she broke onto the country charts with her Shooting Straight in the Dark album and the mega-hit single "Down At The Twist and Shout." But she took the country world by storm when she followed it up in 1992
with the amazing Come On Come On.
Most of the songs on Come On Come On were hits, and most were written (or co-written) by Carpenter, with the exception of Lucinda Williams' throaty "Passionate Kisses" and Mark Knopfler's "The Bug," proof positive that a great rock song CAN make a great country song in
the hands of the right artist. From the light-handed drum opening of "The Hard Way" through to the closing title track, this album is crammed full of talent by the bunches. Powerful lyrics enhanced by Carpenter's husky-rich voice and strong melodies, along with some excellent
playing, Carpenter was making "Americana" before the term was coined to describe this style of music.
This album is every bit as strong today as it was in 1992. With such monumental songs as "I Feel Lucky" and "He Thinks He'll Keep Her," she richly deserved all the awards this album garnered, including CMA Single and Song of the Year for "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" in 1994,
as well as CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995. Occasionally one album can make a star. This was Carpenter's star maker; a collection of fantastic songs presented in just the right way at the right time, when real talent can make it big in the mainstream.
Review by Kathy Coleman.
