Disco de Kellie Pickler: “Small Town Girl”

Maybe she didn't win American Idol Season Five, but now that Kellie Pickler can concentrate on singing country music, it's pretty clear that country is her strong point, and where she belongs.

On this excellent debut album she proves that she can hold her own with the best of them, and with the production talents of Blake Chancey (who also did the job for the Dixie Chicks) this album will be around for a long time.

There's no filler material on this album, which starts off with the first single "Red High Heels" and never stops churning from there in. Her strong vocals and the slick arrangements make this album special, and it's obvious that's she's having a really good time. Listen for "Gotta Keep Moving", "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind", "I Wonder", "Small Town Girl", "Girls Like Me" and "My Angel", and then listen to the rest.

A great debut album that's on par with the best out there.

Amanda Richards, October 31, 2006

I don't know Kellie personally, although we share a hometown. Despite that, I think I can say with honest objectivity that ¼ of the songs on this record have the potential of being radio hits. The production quality is very, very high. The musicianship is absolutely top notch.

When watching the show, I suspected some of Kellie's vocal difficulties were from nerves. I always thought she'd be much better in a studio setting and I'm happy to say that is indeed the case. There's nothing weak or shaky about her vocals on this record.

There are a couple of spots on this record where her voice gives me goose bumps. That's the greatest complement I know how to give because it happens so rarely with today's music.

My favorite cuts.

Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You, Wild Ponies and of course Red High Heels.

Kellie has a bright recording future as long as they keep attaching quality producers to her projects as was certainly the case with Small Town Girl.

I took a chance on this CD. I don't watch American Idol, but "Red High Heels" stuck in my head and wouldn't leave. I saw some really good reviews on Amazon, so I bought it. It's a really, really, good album. Kellie's voice reminds me of Pam Tillis, a favorite of mine. She does a fine job on the ballads, the "attitude" songs, and the fun stuff. I liked every cut. The album is well-produced; the songs are well-written, and Kellie does them all justice. I've sometimes been burned when I've taken a chance on an album, but not this time. "Small Town Girl" is a winner.

"Small Town Girl" lets Kellie Pickler be Kellie Pickler. The result is an album that offers both emotionally ripping ballads and catchy, playful country/rock tunes.

Break out the tissues AND the six-packs for this one.

GIVE THE ALBUM A CHANCE:

"Small Town Girl" may shock the people she failed to win over on "American Idol," or those that look down on the show's alums.

But there's a reward for those that give the album a chance, and likely, a change of heart. I've heard glowing praise from several converts since the CD's release.

MY FAVORITE TRACK: "I WONDER"

I find myself fighting tears every time I hear this ballad about her mother, who walked out on Kellie when the future singer/songwriter was 2 years old. I can't remember when a song affected me so deeply.

KELLIE THE SONG WRITER:

Kellie co-wrote five of the songs while on the American Idol tour. Those tracks -- "Red High Heels," "My Angel," "Small Town Girl," "One of the Guys," and "I Wonder" -- are standouts for me.

But there isn't a bad track here, and all tracks fit her perfectly.

THE VERDICT, A HOME RUN:

Kellie Pickler poured her passion, her personality, her heart and soul into this album. The result is country's best new album.

When watching American Idol last year I honestly couldn't stand Kellie Pickler. She annoyed me with her "stupid" routine and I just didn't think that she sang that well. Well, last week I saw her album at my local library and thought "What the heck? I'm curious". Boy, was I extremely surprised and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would like this album one bit. But on the contrary, I absolutely love it!! In fact, I simply can't stop listening to it. Kellie Pickler definitely deserves high praise for this fantastic debut and I'm so glad that I had an open-mind for once in my life. Kellie rocks this cd with such hits as "Red High Heels", "I Wonder", & "Small Town Girl".

Awesome job Kellie on a cd worth buying and enjoying - country music fans come on board and enjoy the new sensation of KELLIE PICKLER - y'all will love her!