Customer Reviews

Alabama Song

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those of you looking for "Real" country singers and "real" country songs...this lady has an album full! Not a bad song on this CD. They sounded so traditional (old country), that I couldn't believe she had written more than a few of them. I long for the local stations to play Ms. Moorer's stuff. How sad for "country" radio to ignore this songbird. Hopefully, these reviews will bring her to the forefront. I want to listen to this CD all the time. If I could only buy two CD's, I'd buy this one and Andy Griggs. There is hope for country music in these two singers. I can only hope that country radio catches on...

Yeah, I know... we all thought country music was dead (or atleast dying) and there was nowhere to turn. Rest assured that Allison Moorer doesn't believe this. Her two albums for MCA Nashville seem like an oasis in the desert of modern country music. Her first release, "Alabama Song" (1998) was a faithful and true testament to the long gone secret recipe for classic country music: REAL HEARTFELT EMOTION AND TELLING IT LIKE IT IS! Thankfully, the album wasn't totally ignored. "A Soft Place To Fall" was nominated for an ACADEMY AWARD for BEST SONG from the movie "Horse Whisperer". Allison's new album, "The Hardest Part" (2000), which was released Sept. 2000 is going to be the "shot heard around country radio" and finally give her the status that she is so sorely due. Take note you slimy country radio programmers and don't miss the boat. This record is a classic. In a time of artists with influences worn on sleeves, pants, and shoes, Allison Moorer stands as an original and a heavy dose of unrefined purity (stong stuff). What a joy it is to put on a country record and hear banjos, fiddles and mandolins (courtesy the (living) master of said instrument, Marty Stuart). There is lush orchestral arrangement (think Cline not Twain) that has the power to leave chills. Frankly, there isn't a bum note on this ENTIRE record! From the first song, "The Hardest Part" to the final cut, hidden track "Cold, Cold Earth" (an autobiographical song of her parents' murder-suicide, one of the most stirring songs I've EVER heard!) this record swings and sways through your soul. I've played "The Hardest Part" for all of my friends (from hardened "country punks" to even my grandmother) and every single one of them is blown away by it. I am just a dumb old Okie and you might really be happy with your Shania Twain and Faith Hill records. But if you are looking for something to make you feel alive again, I demand that you buy this record!...

I buy a lot of country records, and this one is one of the best I heard in the last years. The sound/production is beatiful, and it doesn't sound like a typical 90's country record. Her low, beatiful voice is perfect for her songs/ballads. There should be more of Allison Moorer in Nashville, and less of Shania Twain and LeeAnn Rimes. This is music for grown-ups who want more than just a silly country-pop song - HERLOF

Allison Moorer has won my heart and I've become a big fan. She has a very unique voice and such enormous talent. Her songs are so personal and revealing. She found a bit of success in 1998 with the song "A Soft Place To Fall" which was featured in the movie THE HORSE WHISPERER. The album ALABAMA SONG was released in the fall of 1998. The title track is one of my all time favorite songs by Moorer. The rest of the album is outstanding too. It opens with the wonderful "Pardon Me", into the great uptempo country tune "Long Black Train". The album closer "Is Heaven Good Enough For You" is a great song and definately one of the best tracks here. Other favorites include "A Soft Place To Fall", "Set You Free", and "Easier To Forget". If you want to hear something different, give Allison Moorer a try!

Allison Moorer made her impact on the country music world in 1998. Her fiery red hair almost Reba like, but her style is all her own. ALABAMA SONG was her debut album for MCA Nashville, and showed a great deal of promise. The song "A Soft Place To Fall" appeared in the movie THE HORSE WHISPERER, which soon got people interested in her. Her debut album is nothing short of amazing, with heartfelt songs about various aspects of life. The title track is one of my favorites, very errie like production but a beautiful song nonetheless. The album opens with "Pardon Me" which has nice production as well, the song is about someone not understanding why someone is leaving. "The One That Got Away (Got Away With My Heart)" is pure honky tonk country. The closing "Is Heaven Good Enough For You" is a high note to end the album on. Other highlights on here include "Long Black Train", "Tell Me Baby" and "Set You Free". Overall I am pleased with this album mainly because she is not afraid to be country, when the rest of country music is obsessed with crossing over to pop, and she shows true talent.

Rarely do two sisters both succeed in popular music with separate solo careers, but Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer are among the rare exceptions. Shelby was expected to be a major country star of the nineties but it didn't happen. Shelby faded into obscurity for a while and it was at this point that Allison began her career, making her debut on a soundtrack (Horse whisperer) with A soft place to fall. That song is included on this album, the rest of which is in a similar style. Melancholy bluesy country ballads are Allison's speciality. The cover picture shows Allison looking utterly miserable in keeping with the songs.

Disillusionment is a factor in Pardon me, about the end of a relationship, and Long black train, about returning home after the big city fails to live up to expectations. The title track, an excellent ballad but not melancholy, expresses Allison's desire to return to Alabama. Allison returns to the subject of broken relationships in Call my name, The one that got away (this song is up-tempo), I found a letter, Easier to forget and Set you free. The subject continues in A soft place to fall, but this time the woman wants to rekindle an old flame, if only temporarily. Tell me baby goes back to a more typical broken relationship situation. The album concludes with a different type of broken relationship, where the man has died and the woman is left to grieve and wonder why this has happened to her.

With the exception of the title track and the music to The one that got away, this is a very downbeat album, but it is superbly performed. Knowing that Allison's father killed his mother before killing himself, it's no real surprise that Allison's music is so melancholy.

Following this impressive debut, Allison has continued to record great music since while Shelby has also re-established her career. Both have moved away from their country roots but that's fine by me - what really counts is the quality of the music, which is always excellent.

I picked up this album a few years ago and haven't put it down. Allison's ability to write such soulful songs is just amazing. And I'm constantly wowed by her awesome voice. Those who love real country music will cherish this album. Those who don't typically listen to country music will appreciate the music just the same. Allison is one of the overlooked stars of Nashville today, I'm sure soon she'll get the recognition she deserves.

I own both of Allison's cds and I am impatietly awaiting a third. This , like "The Hardest Part" is so pure and refreshing that it almost hurts to listen to it! I cant even put into words how awesome Mrs.Moorer really is. This cd IS country and is so beautfully written, arranged, and sung. In my opinion Allison could blow anyone out of the water with that haunting voice! My favorite songs here are "Pardon Me" "Long Black Train" "Call My Name" "Tell Me Baby" and ofcourse " Soft Place To Fall" If you want an awesome country album this desperatly needs to be in you're collection!

At the outset,I must point out that I listened to this CD at the same time as I listened to, I Am Shelby Lynne,by Shelby Lynne,but waited until Ms Moorer's second outing was available to compare before I reviewed this gem,of evolving traditional country.The former was a standout of this year,and Alabama Song stands with it as what is excellent and interesting in modern female counrty music. The new CD,The Hardest Part,is for a future review,but this offering is enough to wet even the driest and jaded palate.Allison Moorer has benefitted greatly from the exposure given to her as a result of the HorseWhisperer soundtrack,and her Oscar appearence,but I personally think this CD offers more than A Soft Place To Fall as its highlight.There is not one bad track on this recording,and my wait to review has only strengthened myappreciation of Ms Moorer's talent.From the opening track,Pardon Me,you are caressed and hynotized by that sweet southern drawl and I defy anyone to find a current artist that can deliver traditional country and ballard material with such a standout fresh and modern approach.

Ms Moorer has talent to burn,and doesnt sound like *all the rest*being pumped out of Nashville..yet!!!Lets hope she never loses this innovative originality.I personally recommend the title track,if it doesnt hook you in...listen to Mindy McCready and play it safe.Not since Jo Dee Messina have I been impressed with a traditional country female voice.

The mood of this CD ebbs and flows but the vocals ,production and songwriting are all constant and excellent.Listen to Set You Free and enjoy the bittersweet nature of good bye,and just enjoy for the pure listening delights,Long Black Train and The One That Got Away.

I have slowly been won over to modern country,and CDs like this one are responsible. Ms Moorer is carrying on the tradition of Emmy Lou Harris which is pleasing to me in the extreme. My recommendation is 4-5 stars,and a promise that this will grow on you and never stop being played.I would recommend you expend the money for this one,definately.She plays she sings she writes and inputs into production,on this one..a great first outing.As a post script,listen to Ms Moorer's rendition of Here Comes The Sun,the Beatles never sounded so good..well afterall redheads have all the talent,dont they all yall!!!!

Here in England, we have just one Country Radio station and they regularly play tracks from Alabama Song. I bought the album when it was first released and it instantly became my all time favourite. It may not be "Country" as defined by the radio stations but to me it's the greatest I've ever heard. Allison came to the UK last year and played (faultlessly) to an audience of no more than 200 (devoted) fans in a small club in London. She is incredible and I cannot understand why she has no airplay, and thus, no hit CD. Allison played a couple of songs she has not yet recorded. Trust me, if these go on a second release, order it now! Meanwhile, buy 2 copies of this CD because you'll soon wear out the first.