Prime Cuts: Unmistakable, I'm Home, Think About Us
Ironies abound when it comes to Jo Dee Messina's latest release "Unmistakable Love." First, after 5 years without a brand new disc, 2010 will see the first instalment of three EPs, of which this is the first. Second, considering Curb Records' insistence that a hit single precedes the release of an album, this disc has been released without even a vanguard single. Third, Messina's boss Mike Curb has goaded that this is by far the Messina's magnum opus but he has had a hands-off policy when it comes to promoting this disc. In fact, the fanfare had been so minimal that only committed fans know about the CD's existence. Fourth, though unfortunate, this may be the least successful effort in Messina's career. Nevertheless, it's also her most marketable collection of songs. In fact, every of these 7 new cuts could easy be released as standalone singles. Honestly, they are better than some of Messina's misfired singles of late, such as the horrid Gretchen Wilson-esque "Biker Chick" and the innocuous "I'm Done."
As the title "Unmistakable Love" suggests, this is a concept album revolving on the resplendent nature of love. Given the current climate in country music to rain down on love with sarcasm and cynicism, these 7 cuts are a breadth of fresh air for the hopelessly romantic. Sporting a new coat of zest, Messina charges out with verve on the album-opener "Hard Life." An ode to enjoy life under the covers with her paramour as a way of escape from the hard life outside, Messina makes falling in love bristles with so much optimism. "Always Have, Always Will" (not the old Janie Fricke hit but a new Messina co-write) is a propulsive love song that all the hallmarks of a hit: crisp guitar licks, smart and upbeat lyrics and an anthemic drum beat. "Think About Us," on the other hand, is a busy pop-country offering that finds Messina migrating to the Carrie Underwood territory--listen especially to how Messina tears into this song with lots of long note holding moments.
Of the ballads, the title cut "Unmistakable" is a gem. A gorgeous love ballad that could easily rival Messina's signature hit "Burn" has everything going right--a to-die-for melody, vivid romantic lyrics and Messina savours each syllable with nuance and meaning. Much simpler in its backing is "I'm Home," a track Messina co-wrote with Chris Farren, is a glowing tribute to the comfort of having a tender heart to come home to. As it's almost a trend for the ladies of country music from Reba to the aforementioned Carrie Underwood to sing about the praises of a strong woman, Messina does her contribution here with the sassy "Treat Me Like A Woman." Though the lyrics are predictable, it's the attitude and confidence that Messina dons that sells this otherwise average tune.
The EP closes with two live performances of Messina's hits. On this time round, they were recorded "live" crowd. But unlike the original versions both "Because You Love Me" and "Stand Beside Me" are done acoustically with just piano, guitar and some muted drums. Thus, it is a joyous treat to be able to hear the immediacy of Messina's heartfelt performances. Despite all the troubles Messina had with Curb Records, Mike Curb is irrefutably right in saying this disc is Messina's unmistakably best.
Hate to be the proverbial "stick in the mud", but I disagreee with all of the rave reviews. I love you and your voice Jo Dee and not just because I'm a Massachusetts native also. Since your voice is suited for all types of music, I wonder why there are no uptempo songs on this CD. Overall it sounds like a funeral dirge and not uplifting or foot-tapping at all. Not even a sing-a-long song like Bye Bye Baby, Heads Carolina Tails California, etc. I hope the next 2 EPs will include songs like these; otherwise I don't know how much I will be looking forward to their releases. Sorry but this EP totally misses the mark for me; I will probably file it in my collection, never to be played again.
Before this disc, I was a huge JDM fan. She failed me on this one. The bad news is that the music is bland and uninspired. The good news is that you aren't bored long -- the album is incredibly short. When it stopped so quickly. I thought my player was broken. Jo Dee, you won't fool me again.
This is a nice album. It doesn't have the same pep as songs like "Bye Bye", but it's a "love songs" album so it's slow songs. Still love her voice.
After the release of "Burn" Jo Dee began to overdo the sassy attitude that she is known for. This EP is her best because it shows the strength of her voice and it is not as sassy as her previous two albums. I think she should go with a new record label because Curb has taken her on a ride over the release of this series of CDs. All of these songs are strong and it was smart to group each set of songs on different discs based on their theme, that way she can increase CD sales. I would highly reccomend this to a Jo Dee fan.
I'm sure on the next disc we will see songs that she has performed live and people put on YouTube
such as "Biker Chick", "I'm Done", and "Just Drive." I am looking forward to the next release thanks to the quality of this one.
