Lee Ann Womack Album: “I Hope You Dance”

Lee Ann Womack's I HOPE YOU DANCE is exactly what country music has been needed the last few years. A innovative album, it is filled with creative musical expression, thoughtful uncliched lyrics (as country music lyrics usually are), and displays incredible song writing talent. The crowning achievement of the album is the title track. "I Hope You Dance" is for anyone needing a lift-me-up or inspiration to get back on track. It's a song for family, friends, and especially since it is that time of year, for graduating Seniors; its words of wisdom should be guidelines for any student stepping out into the world. It should be at the top of your list of songs to commemorate Graduation.

There are a lot of reasons to like this CD: The sound which is definitely country, but soft enough to appeal to non-country listeners; the forthright statements of some songs; the bright personality of the singer; the honest dealings with emotion; but most of all, there's a positive message, a basic joyful dealing with life. We're not deluged with self-pity, even when she's hurting. This is a woman exhibiting the capability to deal with life.

Of course, the title song, "I Hope You Dance", sets the positive tone for the album. Lee Ann hardly needs backup singers, but in this case, the Sons of the Desert do enhance the sound of the hit song and do well in complementing ("complimenting" might be as appropriate a word) her.

The other hit song, "Ashes By Now", reinforces the positivity of the entire set. This is no weepy woman here, folks.

Same goes for "Stronger Than I Am", again a frank and forthright statement, and a poignant picture of the situation, one which should make any good man think before he leaves a woman and child.

"Thinking With My Heart Again" is another emotionally effective song, one in which Lee Ann's voice comes out strong, carrying the song without as strong an accompaniment as in some cuts.

She definitely does justice with the Don Williams song, "Lord I Hope This Day Is Good", again with the theme of facing the day with hope and strength.

There are other strong and enjoyable songs, but those are the ones that especially draw me and that I think quite worthy of notice.

This is a natural for country fans, but I think pop fans, adult contemporary listeners, should give this a good listen also, because I do think you'll go for it.

When Lee Ann released her debut album, she was acclaimed as the new standard bearer for traditional country music. Her second album reinforced that status but this third album finds Lee Ann moving towards an easy-listening style although this is still essentially a country album. Following this album, Lee Ann made a significant step away from country with her next two albums (one of which was a Christmas album) but then returned to her roots with a much more traditional country album. Thus, Lee Ann has tried various styles but her wonderful voice always sounds great.

The big hit here is, of course, I hope you dance, which crossed over to the American pop charts and even became a minor UK hit - no mean achievement in an era when country singles rarely become big pop hits. Apart from I hope you dance, there are many other great songs here including I feel like I'm forgetting something (a great up-tempo song to get those toes tapping), Lonely too (an excellent ballad written by Bruce Robison, a brilliant singer-songwriter), Lord I hope this day is good (a cover of a Don Williams classic), Does my ring burn your finger (written by Buddy and Judy Miller, an under-rated folk-country duo), Ashes by now (a cover of Rodney Rowell song) and Why they call it falling (a brilliant ballad).

This high-quality album should still please most traditional country fans, if not quite as much as Lee Ann's first two albums, while also pleasing fans of contemporary country.

I tried to buy the CD the first time I heard "I Hope You Dance" on the radio. I bought it the first day it was sold and what a nice surprise I received. I love every song on the album. My favorites are: I Hope You Dance, I Know Why The River Runs, Why They Call It Falling, and Ashes By Now. Each of these songs could reach #1 on the charts.

Recently my 18 year old daughter lost one of her friends in a tragic car accident. I struggled for a way to offer her comfort and consolation. I found inspiration in the words to " I hope you dance" I thought I might share my letter in hopes that anyone who is looking for words to console someone about a loss of life may find them in a song about living life.

Dear Jennifer,

I want to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your friend Benny. I know that he was a very special friend and your loss is immeasurable. My heart is heavy with your sorrow. I wish that I could find words to make your pain go away but I know that only time has that healing power.

Recently I heard a beautiful song with very beautiful lyrics. It is a song about Life and the kind people who dare to embrace it to the fullest. This song reminds me of you. I think that it will also remind you of Benny because, in your own words, he was one of those "Very Special" people that you and I talk about.

I hope that whenever you hear this song or read the words, you will be reminded of the good times that you and he shared. As time passes the pain in your heart will be replace by the joy of having been his friend.

When you and Benny had the choice, you both "chose to dance" and you danced together.

I love you

Dad