Balls is Elizabeth Cook's third album and was produced by Rodney Crowell. Guest artists include Bobby Bare, Jr., Nanci Griffith, and Rodney Crowell. There are eleven wonderful songs and if you are a fan of rootsy-type music then this is something you should give a listen to.
"Times Are Tough In Rock 'N Roll" is what Elizabeth claims in the album's opening track. "All my feelings, all my fears were confirmed with Britney Spears" is an example of the singer's sassy nature. To me, this song reminds me of something you'd love singing along to while sitting on the front porch with your friends. Another example of sass is the upbeat first single, "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman." This one could easily become an anthem for all the strong women out there who aren't afraid of showing the men what they can do on their own. Skip ahead a few songs and you'll get another down-home kind of song called "Gonna Be." She'll make you understand that giving up just isn't part of her nature.
One of my favorite songs is "Don't Go Borrowing Trouble," thanks to its cool country vibe and equally as cool lyrics. It sounds like it could be a Patsy Cline song from decades ago, but it was only recently composed by Cook. You have to be careful what you do when it comes to love, so watch what actions you take and don't just give away certain things. Another composition that reminds me of the past is "He Got Not Heart," which has a rolling backbeat reminiscent of Johnny Cash's works. The man keeps tugging at her sleeve wanting her to stay with him, despite the fact she'd rather let him go. The honky-tonkin' continues with "What Do I Do," which is about a woman struggling with what to do with the feelings she has for a guy. As much as she'd like to forget him, she says that would be "just living a dream."
There are plenty of guests on the album. Bobby Bare Jr. sings with Elizabeth on the lovely "Rest Your Weary Mind," while Nanci Griffith and Rodney Crowell join in on "Down Girl." "Down Girl's" lyrics paint a picture of a lady who used to be excited about taking chances, only to experience a complete turn around at some point in time. "She won't go out this evening. There's nowhere to be." It's nice having guests on an album, but sometimes they overshadow the main artist. I'm glad that isn't the case this time. Rodney Crowell's influence is felt on the collection, but the kudos definitely go to Elizabeth Cook for a job well done.
Track List:
- Times Are Tough In Rock N' Roll
- Don't Go Borrowin' Trouble
- Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman
- Rest Your Weary Mind
- He Got No Heart
- Mama's Prayers
- Sunday Morning
- What Do I Do
- Down Girl
- Gonna Be
- Always Tomorrow