When it comes to modern country music, new artists have a hard time getting recognized unless they have a perfect image. I learned this when watching the Grand Ole Opry last weekend. Lori McKenna walked on stage and with two songs I was hooked. She proved that although she may be raw, she had no problem singing her heart out with pure emotion about life, love and family.
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw loved her music so much they had her to open shows on their Soul 2 Soul 2007 tour. Collecting fans everywhere she performs, Lori has made becoming a star look easy. There is definitely something special in every word she writes, which has helped this talented lady.
While living in Stoughton, Massachusetts, as a stay at home mom raising five children, Lori has learned what living in a small town is like. Having a large family has given Lori plenty to write about! Whether she is singing about life, death, no cable or even how drinking effects other members of the family, it is obvious she puts every ounce of her soul into every song. This album may not be spruced up like most of the records that are put out today, but if you give it a chance you will love it more. She never pretends to be something she is not, but instead proves what she is. Nothing beats an artist who sings about real life situations and leaves the "perfect world" to the stars less fortunate.
The title track is the second song on the record. It will hit home to anyone who has a family, and the sacrifices we make to make sure there is food on the table. The neat thing about this song is that although she is singing about sacrifices she is singing it with a smile. Lori makes it perfectly clear by summing it up that she would never change a thing by singing "no frills, no fuss, simply us, unglamorous." She takes the same approach with all of her songs by taking the smallest details of everyday life and using them as a solid foundation.
"Witness To Your Life" is a great tune that breaks down life and describes what people need to survive it. It shows just how grounded your better half keeps you. "Drinkin' Problem" is a personal favorite. It's a hardcore country song, many of the legends will fight to get their hands on. This is a song that can't be described, simply because of the twist at the end, however the title gives you an idea of where the song is heading.
Lori McKenna is a refreshing talent that needs to be heard. There are stars in Nashville that wish they had the talent she has.
Track List:
- I Know You
- Unglamorous
- Your Next Lover
- I'm Not Crazy
- Falter
- Witness To Your Life
- Drinkin' Problem
- How To Survive
- Written Permission
- Confetti
- Leaving This House
