Artist: Blue Rodeo
Album: The Things We Left Behind
Label: Warner

Blue Rodeo has been travelling the country and playing for fans for over twenty five years now and still producing excellent music their fans can continue to be excited about. The concept of this album is unlike anything that I have heard. For a vinyl junkie like me it`s a real treat to see a band design an album that is meant to be played on vinyl. This project comes complete with double gate-fold sleeves, 12×12 covers and two albums, each of the four sides with its own sound! Of course you can buy this album on CD as well so you don`t have to worry about trying to find your old turn table and dusting it off. Those interested in purchasing this album on vinyl can visit www.bluerodeo.com.

One of my favourite songs is ‘One Night Left In Heaven`. The story of a troubled relationship is sung with heart-filled emotion and I found the music completely captivating. From start to finish this album is full of character and mood. The way the four different `sides` where put together is perfect, in some cases it seems as if the songs where written in the order the play on the album. With sixteen quality tracks on this album there is most definitely a song that you will relate to.

It`s a testament to the talent of the band, that after twelve albums they are still releasing music that is refreshing and inspiring, and what blows me away is that all the songs are written by Blue Rodeo front men, Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy…and just when you think the talent stops there, the band also mixed and produced this collection.

Blue Rodeo has sold over 4 million records and have a full trophy case including 5 Juno awards as Group of the Year, a place on Canada`s Walk of Fame, and for most when you think of Canadian music, you think Blue Rodeo!

Don`t forget Y101 listeners that you can catch Blue Rodeo live at the ScotiaBank Place on February 14. Tickets are on sale now through capitaltickets.ca and you can find all the concert details through Y101.fm

The Things We Left Behind Track Listing:
1. All The Things That Are Left Behind     
2. One More Night     
3. Waiting For The World     
4. Never Look Back     
5. Sheba     
6. One Light Left In Heaven     
7. Million Miles     
8. Gossip     
9. Don’t Let The Darkness In Your Head     
10. Arizona Dust     
11. In My Bones     
12. Candice     
13. Wasted     
14. You Said     
15. And When You Wake Up     
16. Venus Rising

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Artist:Carrie Underwood
Album:Play On
Label:SONY Music

The highly anticipated ‘Play On’, Carrie Underwood’s third studio album is on track to being her bestselling album yet…and if the success of her first single ‘Cowboy Casanova’ is any indication on the quality of the project, things are looking good!

Carrie has earned the fasted #1 single of her career and 2009’s fastest climbing #1 by a female country artist with ‘Cowboy Casanova’ as it hits the top of the charts in 10 short weeks. The single was co-written by Carrie along with songwriters Mike Elizondo and Brett James, just one of the 7 tracks that Carrie helped pen on the album.

‘Play On’ is not only an album containing a diverse group of terrific songs but it is also a window into Carrie Underwood the artist and person. You get to take a look into Carrie’s heart when listening to songs like ‘Unapologize’ and ‘Mama’s Song’, two of my favourite of those co-written by Carrie.
One thing that I love about this project is that there are no two songs alike, the rockin’ tune ‘Undo It’ is followed by the beautiful ballot ‘Someday When I Stop Loving You’. There is truly a song for everyone and every emotion.

Not only does Carrie show off her talent for song writing, but on this album is a new maturity and sense of control in her angelic voice, as well as a wider range musically in all the songs.

My favourite tracks on the collection are ‘Look At Me’, which features harmonies by none other than Vince Gill, the very intricate arrangement with the group Sons of Sylvia ‘What Can I Say’ and the emotional and heart warming track ‘Temporary Home’.  Truthfully though…there is no track that I skip over while listening to this album and let’s be honest, that is not something that you can say about every album.

I definitely recommend this album to every fan of great music; if nothing else it will get you totally pumped up for March 24, when Carrie Underwood will be playing the ScotiaBank Place. Tickets are available through capitaltickets.ca and you can find all the concert information at y101.fm.

Play On Track Listing:
1. Cowboy Casanova
2. Quitter
3. Mama’s Song
4. Change
5. Undo It
6. Someday When I Stop Loving You
7. Songs Like This
8. Temporary Home
9. This Time
10. Look At Me
11. Unapologize
12. What Can I Say
13. Play On

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Artist: Miranda Lambert
Album: Revolution
Label: SONY Music

It took me a little while to finally complete this album review, it seemed that every time I sat down to write about how much I loved the CD, I couldn’t find the right words to describe the incredible sound and emotion behind this, what I feel is the best yet, Miranda album.
I was really looking forward to the release of this CD, especially since August when I saw Miranda open for Kenny Chesney here in Ottawa. If you have seen Miranda live, you know that she is an incredible talent, not only vocally but as an entertainer!
With the release of ‘Revolution’ Miranda has become one of only 3 Country artist to have all three of her albums debut at #1 in its first week!  ‘Revolution’, sold 65,875 copies its first week, which joins her previous two releases which also debuted at the very top of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart…and after listening to this album there is no questioning why this album soared to #1!
Like I said before I was having a hard time finding the words to describe the emotion and sound you hear throughout this piece of art…and its truth. Miranda sings these songs, whether they are about buying a gun, lying about who you are, or the greatest love you can find, she relays absolute truth.
There are numerous songs on this record that I could go on about, but I will try to not go on forever…We have seen the early success of ‘Revolution’ when ‘White Liar’ and ‘Dead Flowers’ both landed on the Country Music Charts earlier this year.
My top 3 picks on this album are: ‘Making Plans’;  a beautiful love song that Miranda sings with sweetness in her voice that lets you know that she in fact knows what it’s like to be in love.  ‘The House That Build Me’;  in this song Miranda is relaying a story but the emotion in her voice makes you feel like she is opening up to her best friend. The song will draw you in and Miranda will open her heart to you in this song. My finally pick is ‘Time To Get A Gun’; although Miranda makes the situation sound a little ‘red neck’ she is singing about a subject that I feel is extremely relatable these days. It’s a song about not feeling safe in the day to day world and maybe having to step up and protect your family yourself. Although this song has a serious underlining subject, Miranda makes it sound fun and beautiful.
Miranda pours her heart and soul into each song and you can tell that this project is a part of the very talented artist.

Miranda is currently nominated as this year’s CMA Top Female Vocalist and has won ACM’s 2007 Best New Female Award and 2008 ACM Album of the Year.  I would love to see Miranda walk away from the CMA’s in November with the Top Female Vocalist hardware under her arm! Good Luck Miranda!

‘Revolution’ track listing:
1. White Liar
2. Only Prettier 
3. Dead Flowers
4. Me and Your Cigarettes  
5. Maintain the Pain  
6. Airstream Song  
7. Makin’ Plans 
8. Time to Get a Gun
9. Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go  
10. The House That Build Me  
11. Love Song  
12. Heart Like Mine  
13. Sin for a Sin
14. That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round 
15. Virginia Bluebell

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Artist: Ambush
Album: Ambush
Label: 306 Records
Ambush pleases the crowd once again with a new album, simply titled ‘Ambush’. This 15 track CD brings the energy of our favourite Ottawa/Valley band into your homes.
This project is a collection of some terrific new Ambush tunes mixed in with some classic covers like ‘Every Breath You Take’, and `Wasn`t That A Party`.
One big thing that I have noticed in these new Ambush songs is the great song writing. On this album the boys of Ambush had some top notch help writing these tunes; Brad Johner, Jamie Warren, J.K Gulley, Steve Mandile, and Chris Farren shared their song writing talents, PLUS 11 of the 15 tracks were written or co-written by one of the guys in the band.
There are many great songs on this album including, my favourite, track number 3: ‘She Doesn’t Come Close’; the song has great harmonies and the clever lyrics are fun and relatable.  Or you can feel like you are sitting in the front row watching the band while listening to their rowdy version of `Wasn`t That A Party`.
Overall, it`s great to hear new material from a band that is instrumental in Ottawa and the Valley…Way to go guys!
For more information on the band, tour dates and lyrics of the new songs, head to www.getambushed.com .

‘Ambush’ track listing:
1. Small Town
2. Wasn’t That A Party
3. She Doesn’t Come Close
4. My Little Girl
5. Fun In The Sun
6. In This Room
7. Drive
8. Take My Picture
9. Born 2 Farm
10. Exactly U
11. Every Breath You Take
12. Anything For You
13. I Ain`t Letting Go
14. What Can I Do
15. My Forever Best Friend

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Artist: Doc Walker
Album: Go
Label: Open Road Recordings

I was really looking forward to hearing this new album from Doc Walker, and as I began to play it, it dawned on me that I seem to have high expectations when it comes to this band. As one of Canada’s most decorated Country bands, they always have great songs with inspiring or fun loving lyrics, great melodies, rhythms, and an undeniable chemistry, so I guess I just expected the best…and I was NOT disappointed.

Doc Walker’s sixth studio album had big shoes to fill as there last album ‘Beautiful Life’ won the 2009 Juno for Country Recording of the Year. Lead singer and front man Chris Thorsteinson said that “Simplicity is the best hook sometimes” and that rings true for this album. A lot of the music and lyrics are stripped down, yet very relatable, as if each song has been written and performed for each individual listener.
Some tunes that really jumped out to me were ‘If I Fall’, and ‘I’m Gonna Make You Love Me’, a song that was co-written with Canadian Country sensation Victoria Banks. ‘If I Fall’ has the token Doc Walker harmonies that just melt your heart and relay the emotion of the song…on a totally different note ‘I’m Gonna Make You Love Me’ has a catchy melody and the fact that there is nothing fancy about the music, or lyrics brings a down home charm to the song.
The talent of Dave Wasyliw, Chris Thorsteinson, and Murray Pulver doesn’t end with the guitars and vocals…they also wrote/co-wrote all the songs but the Springsteen cover, ‘Girls In Their Summer Clothes’.
This band doesn’t only have the ability to charm you with their harmonies, raw vocals, and catchy guitar riffs, but if you have ever seen these guys live, you really know how amazing they are, and after hearing this material…I am excited for the next time I get to hear and see them perform live.
So, after hearing 10 new tracks I am convinced that ALL my expectations where met. ANOTHER great album boys!!

Go – Track listing
Coming Home   
Speed of Life   
If I Fall   
Why   
The Hard Way   
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me   
From Here   
Girls In Their Summer Clothes   
Go   
Dancin’ All Night

Review done by: Amanda Kingsland

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Artist: Terri Clark
Album: The Long Way Home
Label: EMI Music

After four long years, Terri Clark has released her new album ‘The Long Way Home’…and it seems to have been really worth the wait.
Terri returns with some of the most soulful and truly inspiring songs she’s ever shared. Not only is this some of Terri’s greatest material it is also a project of truth, as Terri has co-written or independently written each and every track on this album.
When listening to this album you really feel as if Terri is taking you on a journey, from one moment in her life to another, story after story, you feel as if she is really sharing part of herself.
One of my favourite tracks on this project is ‘The One You Love’, with a throat full of emotion Terri sings about life situations that touch so many of us on a daily basis, and how hard it can be to come to terms with something you have no control over. With the amazing harmonies of Country legend Vince Gill, this song is an incredible addition to this album.
Another familiar voice you’ll hear on this album is none other then Canadian Crooner, Johnny Reid.  The song ‘You Tell Me’ definitely stands out on this album. As different as their voices are, they are mixed beautifully and really compliment each other in a simple song about a complications in a relationship.
Not only are there terrific and very soulful vocals on this album, but it is laced with some of the best studio musicians like, John Diamond, Brent Mason, Stuart Duncan and Wes Hightower.
Over all I was very impressed with this album, it’s a true reflection of the talent that the ONLY Canadian female Grand Ole Opry Member possesses.

The Long Way Home – Track listing:
1. Gypsy Boots
2. If You Want Fire
3. A Million Ways To Run
4. What Happens In Vegas (Follows You Home)
5. Merry Go Round
6. The One You Love (Featuring Vince Gill)
7. Poor Girls Dream
8. If I Could Be You
9. Tough With Me
10. You Tell Me (Duet with Johnny Reid)
11. Bonus Track: Gypsy Boots (Acoustic Demo Version)

Review done by: Amanda Kingsland

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Artist: Reba
Album: Keep On Loving You
Label: Valory Records

Caution: I am a HUGE Reba fan so the below review may be a bit bias! HA!

This is Reba’s 31st studio album, her first solo studio album in 6 years and her first since her departure from her long time label MCA Nashville. Reba has joined the Valory Records family which has re-joined her with industry leader, and close friend Scott Borchetta.

‘Keep on Loving You’ became the #1 most downloaded Country album on iTunes within hours of it’s release, and by noon on the day of it’s release it had moved to 3rd most downloaded album of ANY genre, an extraordinary feat for the 54 year old Country Music pioneer.

Reba who has sold over 55 million albums worldwide and seen her last 13 studio albums all achieved platinum-plus status, was recently recognized as the biggest female hit-maker in country music history by Billboard Magazine.

The first release from the new project, ‘Strange’ became a Top 10 hit right off the bat, the sassy story of how strange it is that she is not too sad about a break up, it was a great first release, as it left many of her fans anticipating the release of this CD, just so we could her what she had in store for us…and the rest of the album did not disappoint!

The second release from the CD ‘Consider Me Gone’ is one of my most favourite tunes. It’s a confrontational song about the lacking communication in a relationship. The upbeat, yet melodic rhythm of the song and Reba’s sassy story telling reminds me of her early 90s music.
Another favourite of mine from this new collection is ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ a Texas-swing sound, with witty lyrics about ordering up a handsome cowboy rather then a beverage; and in the song ‘Nothing to Lose’ Reba’s band really steps it up and shines through.

Another new thing about this CD that you won’t find on many other Reba CDs is her name on the songwriting credits. Reba co-wrote the tune ‘She’s Turning 50 Today’. This song was two years in the making before it was added to the song list on this project. This song is sung with strong emotion and makes you feel like Reba is telling you word for word the story of her life. That is a skill the Queen of Country music has honed in her over 30 years making records.

Over all, I think that there are many great songs on this CD. It’s a bright and upbeat feeling record that would be a great add to any Country lover’s collection!

Keep On Loving You – Track listing:
Strange 
Just When I Thought I’d Stopped Loving You 
I Keep On Lovin’ You 
I Want A Cowboy
Consider Me Gone
But Why
Pink Guitar
She’s Turning 50 Today
Eight Crazy Hours (In The Story Of Love)
Nothing To Lose 
Over You
Maggie Creek Road
I’ll Have What She’s Having

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Artist: George Strait
Album: Twang
Label: MCA Nashville

This past May the Academy of Country Music (ACM) honoured George Strait as the ‘Artist of the Decade’. During that induction ceremony Lee Ann Womack sang a beautiful song that was specifically written about and for George by writers Amy Romeo, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, and Kenneth Wright titled ‘Stand There and Sing’; with lyrics like ‘The way you tell a story makes it easy to believe’ and ‘knowing the smoke and mirrors where just that, you just smile and tip your hat’ any George fan can appreciate the truth to the song, and by his speechless reaction after Le Ann’s performance I think that Mr. Strait was just as blown away.

While listening to George Strait’s new album ‘Twang’ I couldn’t help but hear the truth of the song ‘Stand There and Sing’ in each and every song George sings.

One thing on this CD that you can only find on one other George CD in his impressive 30+ collection, is that George co-wrote a few of the tracks on this project. It’s not a regular thing to see George’s name in the songwriting credits. Strait’s contributions were a result of writing with his son Bubba.
George co-wrote three songs on ‘Twang’ including the debut single, “Living for the Night,” which has become George’s 81st top 10 hit, and is still climbing the country charts.

My favourite tune on the CD is ‘The Breath You Take’, this song is a good depiction of George himself; it’s simple, true and most definitely country.

Another song that I really enjoy is ‘Where Have I Been’ a great lesson in slowing down and really living rather then speeding from one milestone to the next.
A real treat for those who enjoy George’s songs that carry a Spanish flare is ‘El Rey’. ‘El Rey’ is an all Spanish classic, originally written and song by José Alfredo Jiménez.

All in all, ‘Twang’ is a traditional, well produced addition to any George Strait lover’s collection.

Watch the video ‘Stand There and Sing’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFFCnKa7sl0

Twang – Track listing:
Twang
Where Have I Been All My Life
I Gotta Get to You
Easy as You Go
Living for the Night
Same Kind of Crazy
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Arkansas Dave
The Breath You Take
He’s Got That Something Special
Hot Grease and Zydeco
Beautiful Day for Goodbye
El Rey

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Artist: Brad Paisley
Album: American Saturday Night
Label: Sony Music

Brad Paisley does not disappoint with his 7th studio album ‘American Saturday Night’! Because his last album was not a standard Paisley piece, it was more of a ‘love affair with his guitar’ as he says; American Saturday Night was a highly anticipated release.

One thing you have to love about this album is that there are 14 tracks, and you absolutely get your money’s worth. All 14 songs on this project were co-written by Brad and his talents on this album don’t stop there…besides his smooth, emotion filled vocals you also hear Paisley tearin’ it up on the mandolin, acoustic, and electric guitars! As one of Country Music’s most skilled players it’s a real pleasure to hear Brad play!

The first track released from this album was Brad’s 10th consecutive #1 ‘Then’. If that song doesn’t set a tone for the quality you’ll hear on this album I don’t know what would.
‘Welcome to the Future’, the second release from the CD is a song that will make you smile as the witty lyrics are ones that everyone can relate to.
The Blues sounding guitar and organ in addition to the mellow vocals in ‘She’s Her Own Woman’ show Brad’s diversity as a writer and musician.
‘Anything Like Me’ is a favourite of mine, and any parent can relate to the sentimental lyrics and genuine emotion generated by Brad’s 2 sons. If you listen closely at the end of the tune you can hear a cute cameo appearance by Brad’s son Huck.

Over all, this collection is probably my favourite BP album. ‘American Saturday Night’ is a true work of art, from an artist who knows himself and his audience.

American Saturday Nigh - Track listing:
American Saturday Night
Everybody’s Here
Welcome To The Future 
Then
Water 
She’s Her Own Woman 
Welcome To The Future (Reprise) 
Anything Like Me 
You Do The Math 
No
Catch All The Fish
Oh Yeah, You’re Gone 
The Pants 
I Hope That’s Me  
Bonus Track: Back To The Future

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Artist: Martina McBride
Album: Shine
Label: Sony Nashville

Martina McBride has released yet another masterpiece. ‘Shine’ is Martina’s fourth album and it debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart.
Selling over 41,000 units in its first week on store shelves proves that Martina’s angelic voice matched with some of the most incredible songs makes for another excellent album.
Not only did Shine top the country charts but it also debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard All-Genre 200 chart.

This album co-produced by Dann Huff is stocked full of passionate songs that Martina sings with perfection. Her ability to paint a picture with the words of her songs is completely captivating.
From the rockin’ riffs of ‘Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong’ to the bouncing guitar in ‘Ride’ this album definitely covers off a song for every mood. The soft and beautiful song ‘I Just Call You Mine’ is a true favourite of mine and incredibly Martina sings it as if it’s a favourite of hers as well.
There are 2 songs on this album that I can’t seem to stop listening to are ‘I’m Trying’ on of the most real, raw, and truthful songs I have every heard. Tagged with a the sounds of a melodically smooth acoustic guitar, and the story telling of Martina this song screams ‘HIT’…and then there is ‘Lies’, Martina sings flawlessly, every note is sung with excellence and pure emotion.
All in all one of the most diverse, and moving Martina albums yet.

Martina makes recording top selling albums seem so easy, it’s no wonder she has sold over 18 million albums to date, has had 22 Top 10 singles…6 of which ranked number one, and let’s not forget that she has a record tying four CMA Female Vocalists of the Year Awards under her belt!

It’s no surprise that ‘Shine’ is another Martina success!

‘Shine’ Track Listing
1. Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong 
2. I Just Call You Mine
3. Sunny Side Up 
4. Walk Away  
5. I’m Trying 
6. What Do I Have To Do 
7. Don’t Cost A Dime 
8. Ride
9. You’re Not Leaving Me

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