Country music fell in love with Carlene Carter when her career first started, but now they have a whole new reason to fall in love with her all over again. Her new album is simply titled Stronger. It comes from the old cliche, "what don't kill you only makes you stronger. Her voice is better than ever and her sound is timeless. Prepare yourself for one of the 2008's best albums.
If you liked the music she sang when her career started, it has changed a lot. You can hear her mother's voice and the influence her whole family has had on her life. She truly sounds better than ever. The cover alone is awesome. Carlene looks better than ever. She appears happy and has that look of confidence that she has never had in the past.
The one thing that caught my eye is how much she looks like her mother. Don't think that everything about this album can be compared to June Carter Cash, because it can't, there are just some family similarities that are amazing. Now, enough with that said, let's go on to the music. Her sound is so fresh, yet has stayed traditional. Throughout this record you will hear a mixture of slower country ballads as well as some fast, foot tapping tunes that will make you appreciate this amazing singer.
"Why Be Blue" is the second song on this album and it's awesome. You will hear every instrument that makes a country song a "country." A Mandolin, a banjo and an acoustic guitar make this song stand out more than anything. It also has a great message about life's lessons and how we are not on this earth long enough to be sad. Step back and look at all of the good things, not the bad.
One song that really stands out more than any is "Judgement Day." Carlene hit her mark on this one. She slows it down, while singing about heartaches in a relationship. One thing that I found unique is how she refers to the end as "Judgement Day." It's appropriate wording for this situation. One phrase in the chorus that also jumps out is "true loves never dies, it just walks away." These are the amazing writing skills that Carlene possesses.
"Break My Little Heart In Two" could be played in any honky tonk. It has that great classic country sound, but also has a touch of western swing. The title pretty much says it all.
Carlene Carter went above and beyond on the title track. It's a slower song that's a tribute to her past. She's acknowledging all of the things that have helped her become the person she is today. Once you have listened to this album, you'll understand that Carlene Carter is Stronger than ever. This album is a must!
Release Date: March 4th, 2008 - Yep Roc Records
Track List:
- The Bitter End
- Why Be Blue
- To Change Your Heart
- Bring Love
- I'm So Cool
- Spider Lace
- On To You
- Judgement Day
- Break My Little Heart Into
- It Takes One To Know Me
- Light Of Your Love
- Stronger
