Martina McBride Album: “Martina”

Martina McBride is back and better than ever. The greatest singer in country music---scratch that, the greatest singer in all of popular music---has delivered once again.

"Martina" is a fantastic collection of songs sung with beauty and power and grace. It is almost impossible for me to even begin to think of choosing a favorite song, because I love each and every one of this cd's twelve tracks, but "So Magical" is just a perfect upbeat summer song, "In My Daughter's Eyes" is an incredibly moving ballad and "God's Will" sends shivers through me. Not to mention "This One's For The Girls" and "She's A Butterfly" which make me feel so happy and so sexy at the same time! And to be honest, I never cared for the song "Over The Rainbow" all that much until I heard Martina sing it. Now it's one of my favorites!

Martina's performance is breathtaking on every track as she brings true emotion, gravity, dignity and decency to the ballads and a fun, joyous and sexy spirit to the more uptempo songs. Each and every song features a powerful vocal performance. Martina always gives us her all and that is always more than anyone else can give us.

I fully expect this cd to be nominated for multiple awards and win all of them! If you haven't bought it yet, do so quickly! Go ahead, treat yourself, you deserve it!

It's been a long time since we've had new music from Martina but once again, it's been worth the wait!!!! This cd is great from start to finish. I love that she included "Reluctant Daughter", a definite bluegrass song and "Wearing White", a definite two stepper. With "How Far", "When You Love Me" and her live performance of "Over the Rainbow" (thanks for including this one by the way), Martina proves that her vocal talent is second to none. With "God's Will" she takes your breath away with her interpretive ability and her emotion. She puts everything into every song. Martina is truly one of the top 3 or 4 singers on the planet and the kicker is, she just keeps getting better. This cd is a must have for any music fan and will satisfy the traditional and modern country fans. Martina has always stuck to her guns and remained true to herself in her life and in her music and I for one, am glad she did. She's a class act and an amazing talent.

Just when I thought that Martina McBride cannot possibly get any more better than she already is, she proves me wrong again!!! Her cd "Martina," is AMAZING!!!!

Here is how I rate each track (5 stars= BEST):

1) So Magical- I love this Celtic song... the instrumentation is ear candy, the lyrics are catchy and Martina's voice is awesome in it. (5 stars)

2) She's A Butterfly- a very nice song, talking about the transition of a girl to a stage of womanhood. Tears of joy come from listening to this song. (5 stars)

3) City of Love- cool song, about surviving anything that shows up in one's road, as long as that person has built a foundation of love. Like the "yellow brick road" reference.(5 stars)

4) This One's for the Girls- Martina's first single of the album. LOVE it! It's very fun, uptempo and very enjoyable. An anthem for any girl. (5 stars)

5) How Far- WOW!!! Martina hits the highest notes in the album on this song. Once, again. WOW! (5 stars)

6) Reluctant Daughter- EXCELLENT! Martina shows her pure mountain vocals on this bluegrass/gospel tune. (5 stars)

7) Wearin' White- I LOVE this track! It's very country, uptempo and tells a story. (5 stars)

8) When You Love Me- my least favorite track on the album. I guess it has yet to grow on me. (4 stars)

9) In My Daughter's Eyes- beautiful song, about how the daughter sees the mother from her perspective. Any parent's favorite. (5 stars)

10) Learning to Fall- great song. Catchy chorus and the harmonies are a treat. (5 stars)

11) God's Will- OMG This song is SUPERLATIVE!!! My favorite in the album. It tells the story of Will, a cripled boy, and his challenging life. A tear jerking, but very powerful and meaningful song. I get goosebumps each time I listen to it. This song is worth the entire price of the cd alone! (6 stars!!!)

12) Over the Rainbow- a LIVE version of this song. A wonderful finale to the album. Shows Martina's exceptional vocal range. (5 stars)

Overall, this is one of the best country music albums ever and Martina's finest! If you do not own this musical masterpiece, don't tiptoe or walk your way to the cd store, RUN RUN RUN!!!!

"Martina" should and will meet its expectations, and exceed them. Although it's been said this album is aimed toward the female audience, the male audience should enjoy it too! Some critics say the album is "pop" ish, they must have not listened to it very well because this is contemporary country music at its best! The first single off the album, "This One's For The Girls", is a very fun song with a great message. "Martina" is not much different from previous Martina McBride albums, with the exception of, "Reluctant Daughter", that seems to have a "bluegrassy" feel to it. "In My Daughter's Eyes" is very sentimental, every Mother will love it!! This album has a mix of everything, moderate uptempo songs,(So Magical), to a few very wonderful ballads including, "When You Love Me", and "How Far". Another touching song would be, "God's Will". Martina's live rendition of "Over The Rainbow" is another great addition to the album. "Martina" is a must have for any MUSIC fan!

Martina Mcbride's newest album (simply entitled "Martina"), once again proves she is one of the most genuine and talented singers in the musical galaxy.She steals the guy's hearts and makes the girls feel empowered and special (as well they should feel...!)While we lost Faith to more pop-styled leanings, Martina's music remains down to earth, heart-warming and easy to relate to. From the opening cut to the finish, this album's a charmer; I especially enjoy "Reluctant Daughter", with its slight Bluegrass feel thanks to wonderful arrangement by the great Ricky Skaggs. Crank up the volume as "When You Love Me" begins; it will feel like a cool refreshing breeze is gently ruffling your hair on a screaming hot day; it will bring a smile to your face! Bring out the Kleenex for "In My Daughter's Eyes" and "God's Will", 'cause they will gently, and lovingly tug the heartstrings of even the most jaded listener. If you have enjoyed any of Martina's previous outings, this one will not disappoint! This is MUSIC...heartfelt, touching and beautiful; no jumping on musically stylistic bandwagons, no fluff. A great album by a powerful,emotive musician! From the top of her lovely head to the tips of her pretty toes, Martina is a treasure of talent. Fully recommended!