Martina McBride Album: “Waking up Laughing”

It was a long time coming, but Martina McBride finally puts her previously unutilized song-writing skills to good use for three tracks on album number nine, which she also produced. Two of these tracks are straight-up single material - the already released "Anyway", followed closely on the album by "How I Feel". The third is "Beautiful Again", a real tear jerker of a song, dealing with broken homes, abuse, and single parenthood, but which shows that it's possible to focus on the positive and move on.

Tracks to listen for include the opening song "If I Had Your Name" (listen for the guitars and violins); "Tryin' To Find a Reason", a breaking-up ballad featuring Keith Urban; "I'll Still Be Me", a poignant song about endless love, and "Love Land" the emotional closing track.

The high point of the album is undoubtedly the song "Anyway", with its motivational lyrics, and chorus that brings to mind the Joan Osbourne hit song "What if God Was One of Us". As she sings on the track - "You can pour your soul out singin' / A song you believe in / That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang / Sing it anyway / Yeah sing it anyway". If she keeps singing them like this, I don't think she'll have to worry about being forgotten in a hurry.

The other single "How I Feel" is also an excellent track, and has the potential to become a new Christmas song, thanks to the one line that mentions snow on Christmas Eve. (It worked for Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You", didn't it?)

Although many of the songs are inherently sad, most of them show some light at the end of the tunnel, so that by the time you reach the end of the song, you get that tingly warm sensation you feel when something tugs at your heartstrings, and that's a good thing.

Amanda Richards, April 14, 2007

While I know many fans enjoyed "Timeless", I thought that was a huge waste of Martina's talents. Not to mention, I hate that old formulaic same-same stuff they did back in the day. She made it tolerable to hear, but I'm glad to have her back doing what Martina does best and I enjoy most. I know there are a lot of idiots that come on and trash people just for the sake of trashing people, and normally I don't let it get to me. But one recent reviewer actually had the gall to call this a snoozefest. And I'm skeptical as to whether that reviewer has even heard the album after complaining that Martina screams. Martina has a beautiful voice with an incredible range that she uses both powerfully and softly on this album. In fact, this is her most tender album with beautiful maturity and emotion. The vocals are mastered with terrific warmth and clarity. Anyone reading the review who has ever heard Martina knows to dismiss that review completely. Hopefully someone reading these reviews who isn't as familiar with Martina will see the vast number of positive reviews and also ignore an idiotic review like that.

I recommend listening to this loud enough that you can really hear the vocals, since Martina did a great job with production. She extracts every ounce of emotion in these songs. My favorite track is one that normally I wouldn't like because I don't usually enjoy songs with an irregular tempo. The last track, Love Land, is just beautifully done. It doesn't really rhyme for most of it, and as I mentioned the tempo is very irregular. It's almost like a freestyle poem with music playing in the background. But it's a bittersweet story with an ultimately uplifting message, sung with control and passion. "Anyway" is pure Martina, and is also one of my favorites. There are so many good songs (though at only 11 tracks it's a bit short) that it's easier to pick my LEAST favorite. "Beautiful Again" is still a decent performance, but the music is so not my style, more bluegrass and a little singsongy for my taste. She sings it well, I just can't give it more than 7 out of 10. Every other track for me is 9.5 to 10 out of 10. On her "Martina" album the clunker song was "Reluctant Daughter". Seems even a gifted artist and song selector like Martina takes a misstep once on each album. But this is still a five star album from a 5.5 star performer. Way to go Martina! I hope we get lots of singles from this one.

Once again, Martina has made a great album!!!!....Suprisingly, the first single really doesn't show what the entire album is like...to me, this album has a very organic sound....it's one of those cd's that is perfect for riding in the car with...Every track is good.....My fav's are "If I had Your Name", "Tryin' To Find A Reason, "For These Times", "Anyway", "How I feel", "Everybody Does" and "House Of A Thousand Dreams"....that is not to say the reamining tracks are not good..they are all awesome...I read another review asking where the powerhouse vocals were?!?!...they are still here...just in moderation...i'll be the first to admit i love to hear Martina belt it out on songs like "Broken Wing" and "How Far" which is my fav martina song....but everybody knows that the girl has pipes..she doesn't have to show it on every song...It's also nice to see a different side to her voice..but the power house is still there throughout....just not going as high on notes as she does on others...but again, the album is great...Major kudos to her on solo producing the album...Martina is truly gifted in many aspects of her music..from the vocals, obviously, to the writing and producing..."Waking Up Laughing" is to me the most creative and inventive album she's done and well worth buying!

I have just finished listening to the final track of the latest offering from Martina. Although I am not her biggest fan, this album in my humble opinion is her best work ever. "House Of A Thousand Dreams" takes me back to my childhood and the dreams my parents (both gone now) and I had in our house of dreams. "Tryin To Find A Reason" just speaks to the pain and suffering endured by many young couples today. What can be said about "Love Land", except that its' for everyone in love pregnant and, married or not. "How I Feel", Oh wow, I envision my wife of 48 years and that piece just shouts out to me. "Anyway" This piece just soars and soars, and just highlights the power and range her voice. "I'll Still Be Me"; This song just expresses everything people who have been fortunate enoough to have remained married or together for many years feel about each other.I could go on and on but suffice it to say I can't find one song on this album to critize. Although this is not a "country album" per se; WHO CARES??? This woman has a spectacular voice and a range that will carry her on and someday she will be in the company of the truly great country singers like Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood. Way to go Martina

Ed (70 this year)

Wow...this album us great. Martina combines her amazing vocals, her own beliefs, and is very much in charge. I usually like to rate each song (or at least the best ones)

1. If I Had Your Name: This song is alright. Not a personal fave of mine but those who like poppy country will probably enjoy

2. Cry Cry: I like this song, espacially when I am sad.

3. Tryin' To Find A Reason: This song, with Keith Urban in the background, is amazing in my opion. Martina is baring her soul to us and this song emphasizes her vocal power.

4. For These Times: THis is a very uplifiting song which most people will enjoy

5. Anyway: This, the first single, is amazing. True Martina quality!

6.

7. I'll Still Be Me: This song is nice, but not a standout for me. Maybe those older would appreciat it more.

8.Beautiful Again: This song, which deals with child-sexual-abuse and teenage pregnancy, is one of my favorites. Martina is known for her championing of social causes. This song takes a good look at moving on/being beautiful again.

9. Everybody Does: This song is nice. Written by Rachel Proctor, a struggling artist herself, is cute and inspiring

10. House of 1000 Dreams; Very inspirational about overcoming poverty.

11. Love Land: Very interesting and nice song about marriage and children outside of wedlock.

All in all a great album all the way through....a few low points-but when I say low these would be high points on much of the fluff of today. Martina has done an excellent job!!