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Editorial Reviews
The 2010 American Idol runner-up s set includes her original song, Holy Toledo, a song she performed on the show as well as the arresting title track which chronicles her personal experience of dealing with child abuse. Fans and Idol viewers know Crystal is a talented singer, but Farmer s Daughter further establishes her as a truly gifted songwriter. Farmer's Daughter was produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach).
After finishing up the 2010 American Idol Live Tour, Bowersox headed to New Jersey to begin production on her eagerly awaited debut. The twelve tracks, ten of them written or co-written by Bowersox, showcase her strong songwriting skills and her desire to infuse her lyrics with that raw emotion of someone who has lived. The album also contains eight songs written solely by Crystal, two co-writes, an additional track by Kara DioGuardi and Nickelback s Chad Kroeger titled Hold On and a cover of Buffalo Springfield s 1967 classic For What It s Worth. One very special song is Mason, a song Bowersox co-wrote with her husband Brian Walker, which they performed together at their recent nuptials.
After finishing up the 2010 American Idol Live Tour, Bowersox headed to New Jersey to begin production on her eagerly awaited debut. The twelve tracks, ten of them written or co-written by Bowersox, showcase her strong songwriting skills and her desire to infuse her lyrics with that raw emotion of someone who has lived. The album also contains eight songs written solely by Crystal, two co-writes, an additional track by Kara DioGuardi and Nickelback s Chad Kroeger titled Hold On and a cover of Buffalo Springfield s 1967 classic For What It s Worth. One very special song is Mason, a song Bowersox co-wrote with her husband Brian Walker, which they performed together at their recent nuptials.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
92 of 103 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Kenny Rogers famously sung about meeting Lucille in a bar in Toledo, but while that story was most likely fictional, Crystal Bowersox really did begin her career playing music in barrooms in the Toledo area of Ohio. She got her lucky break on American Idol, finishing runner-up to Lee DeWyze in the 2010 series. Living in the UK without a TV and not listening to music radio, I was unaware of all this until one Monday when I was looking through that day's new CD releases, saw this one listed and surfed the net for more info. Encouraged by what I read, I decided to buy.
Crystal wrote or co-wrote most of the songs, there being one original that she didn't write or co-write, together with a cover of For what it's worth (Buffalo Springfield). Of course, she sang plenty of covers on the American Idol series (as far as I know, not including For what it`s worth), but this album is mostly about her own songs, many of which appear to be autobiographical.
The opening track (Riding with radio) is a rocking song complaining about the music to be heard on the radio these days. It's not a new theme, so clearly there are plenty of dissatisfied listeners out there. Crystal says in the song that she isn't writing for the radio, so there has to be a question regarding how much airplay she gets in the long term. For this album following her appearances on American Idol, she'll probably get the airplay anyway, at least in America. For subsequent albums, who knows? I do hope that Crystal sticks to what she believes in. Shelby Lynne discovered that it is a hard road to travel, but she is probably happier than she would have been just doing what the music business wanted her to do. It will be interesting to follow Crystal's career, especially given what she said in the song.
The other really angry song here is the title track (Farmer's daughter). Now, I had a lousy relationship with my parents, especially my mother, from as far back as I can remember, but the title track suggests that Crystal's relationship with her mother was even worse. Even without knowing exactly what Crystal had to put up with, I feel her pain. I relate to that song all too well.
Elsewhere, Crystal shows both an independent streak (On the run, Arlene) and a desire for love (Mason, Kiss ya, Mine all mine, Lonely won`t come around). Hold on (about a past love) and Holy Toledo (which finds her dreaming about the future) provide further contrasts. In real life, Crystal got married a couple of months before this album was released, so maybe she's not quite as independent as some of the songs would suggest.
As originally recorded, the lyrics contain two words that are most diplomatically described as earthy. One rhymes with spit (and is used once each in Kiss ya and Riding the radio) and the other rhymes with sucking (and is used in the title track). However, the CD as sold on Amazon is censored to remove the offending word from the title track although the other word has been left unedited. Amazon list the uncensored version as a download in MP3 format. Maybe the uncensored version will one day be available on CD, but I'm not going to worry about that. I just felt that it was important to mention it, especially as the lyrics in the booklet have both offending words crossed out. It seems odd that they crossed out both words in the lyric, but only censored one in the recording.
Crystal's music is best described as pop/rock music with country influences, but even that description over-simplifies it. I'll just say that if you enjoy the music of either Moorer sister (Shelby Lynne or Allison), or if you enjoy Sheryl Crow's music, you might consider giving this album a listen.
Crystal wrote or co-wrote most of the songs, there being one original that she didn't write or co-write, together with a cover of For what it's worth (Buffalo Springfield). Of course, she sang plenty of covers on the American Idol series (as far as I know, not including For what it`s worth), but this album is mostly about her own songs, many of which appear to be autobiographical.
The opening track (Riding with radio) is a rocking song complaining about the music to be heard on the radio these days. It's not a new theme, so clearly there are plenty of dissatisfied listeners out there. Crystal says in the song that she isn't writing for the radio, so there has to be a question regarding how much airplay she gets in the long term. For this album following her appearances on American Idol, she'll probably get the airplay anyway, at least in America. For subsequent albums, who knows? I do hope that Crystal sticks to what she believes in. Shelby Lynne discovered that it is a hard road to travel, but she is probably happier than she would have been just doing what the music business wanted her to do. It will be interesting to follow Crystal's career, especially given what she said in the song.
The other really angry song here is the title track (Farmer's daughter). Now, I had a lousy relationship with my parents, especially my mother, from as far back as I can remember, but the title track suggests that Crystal's relationship with her mother was even worse. Even without knowing exactly what Crystal had to put up with, I feel her pain. I relate to that song all too well.
Elsewhere, Crystal shows both an independent streak (On the run, Arlene) and a desire for love (Mason, Kiss ya, Mine all mine, Lonely won`t come around). Hold on (about a past love) and Holy Toledo (which finds her dreaming about the future) provide further contrasts. In real life, Crystal got married a couple of months before this album was released, so maybe she's not quite as independent as some of the songs would suggest.
As originally recorded, the lyrics contain two words that are most diplomatically described as earthy. One rhymes with spit (and is used once each in Kiss ya and Riding the radio) and the other rhymes with sucking (and is used in the title track). However, the CD as sold on Amazon is censored to remove the offending word from the title track although the other word has been left unedited. Amazon list the uncensored version as a download in MP3 format. Maybe the uncensored version will one day be available on CD, but I'm not going to worry about that. I just felt that it was important to mention it, especially as the lyrics in the booklet have both offending words crossed out. It seems odd that they crossed out both words in the lyric, but only censored one in the recording.
Crystal's music is best described as pop/rock music with country influences, but even that description over-simplifies it. I'll just say that if you enjoy the music of either Moorer sister (Shelby Lynne or Allison), or if you enjoy Sheryl Crow's music, you might consider giving this album a listen.
64 of 71 people found the following review helpful
By HagFan
Format:Audio CD
I don't get too exited about any of today's new singers. It doesn't matter if it's Rock n' Roll, Country, Supposed Easy Listening, etc. The hype is normally way out of line with what you eventually hear from them. The Rockers are nothing but screamers, and the country, well, isn't "real" country. I'm not a fan of American Idol. But, a friend of mine who watches American Idol, and remembers what a big, big Janis Joplin fan I was told me that I had to see this girl, Crystal Bowersox. So, I gave her a chance, and she blew me away when she sang Janis' "Me And Bobbie McGee and "Piece Of My Heart". I couldn't believe it that this girl was as good as she was. After Janis died, many of my friends, for years, were looking for the next Janis. Not Me. There would never be another Janis. But, after listening to Crystal's new album, "Farmer's Daughter", I honestly have to say that I think she just may have a better voice than Janis. Yeah, I know. There are some of you that are thinking that all Janis did was scream. Well, that isn't true. When Janis wanted to sing a soft Blues song she was perfection.
In my opinion Crystal is the best singer that has ever come out of American Idol. Yeah, I said I don't watch the show. But, I've heard all of the winners some where along the line, and they just don't have the stuff Crystal has. This young lady can sing anything, and you can actually understand her lyrics when she sings. There are a couple of songs on the album were Crystal really Rocks it, "On The Run" and "Kiss Ya", which are great Rock N' Roll songs. But, my personal favorites are all the others, "Ridin' With The Radio", "For What It's Worth",the amazing Farmer's Daughter", her first song, "Holy Toledo", "Lonely Won't Come Around", Speak Now", "Mine All Mine", "Mason", and "Arlene". They are all gems!! There is not a filler on this album, and that is unusual for a debut album.
Considering where Crystal came from in her life, and what she has gone through, it's amazing how she has become the polished performer that she has become. Polished in the sense that she does everything right, but so natural that I shouldn't even be using the adjective "polished". THe reason I say this is that Crystal has that garage band type sound about what she does, and that's a good thing. 99% of the singers you hear today are so developed to the point that there isn't anything natural about them. They all basically sound the same. Crystal doesn't sound like anyone else out there today. I hate to compare her, but she does remind the '60's generation of Janis Joplin more than anyone that has come along in 40 years. She can't hide the influence. And, when you hear her sing the first lines of "Ridin' With The Radio it says it all - "Whatever happened to great ol' Rock & Roll whatever became of Rhythm & Blues n' Soul/I'll do what it takes now cause I just wanna make your mind feel good". Man, that tells her story of where she's coming from right from the beginning of the album.
In closing I will predict that radio will not play Crystal very much. The radio as we know it today. Crystal will have to play the stage, show after show. But, after a little stretch of what eventually made Bruce Springsteen what he is today, will do it for Crystal, also. This young lady is going to be huge!! Just give her time, and do yourself a favor. Give her a listen. You won't regret it!!
In my opinion Crystal is the best singer that has ever come out of American Idol. Yeah, I said I don't watch the show. But, I've heard all of the winners some where along the line, and they just don't have the stuff Crystal has. This young lady can sing anything, and you can actually understand her lyrics when she sings. There are a couple of songs on the album were Crystal really Rocks it, "On The Run" and "Kiss Ya", which are great Rock N' Roll songs. But, my personal favorites are all the others, "Ridin' With The Radio", "For What It's Worth",the amazing Farmer's Daughter", her first song, "Holy Toledo", "Lonely Won't Come Around", Speak Now", "Mine All Mine", "Mason", and "Arlene". They are all gems!! There is not a filler on this album, and that is unusual for a debut album.
Considering where Crystal came from in her life, and what she has gone through, it's amazing how she has become the polished performer that she has become. Polished in the sense that she does everything right, but so natural that I shouldn't even be using the adjective "polished". THe reason I say this is that Crystal has that garage band type sound about what she does, and that's a good thing. 99% of the singers you hear today are so developed to the point that there isn't anything natural about them. They all basically sound the same. Crystal doesn't sound like anyone else out there today. I hate to compare her, but she does remind the '60's generation of Janis Joplin more than anyone that has come along in 40 years. She can't hide the influence. And, when you hear her sing the first lines of "Ridin' With The Radio it says it all - "Whatever happened to great ol' Rock & Roll whatever became of Rhythm & Blues n' Soul/I'll do what it takes now cause I just wanna make your mind feel good". Man, that tells her story of where she's coming from right from the beginning of the album.
In closing I will predict that radio will not play Crystal very much. The radio as we know it today. Crystal will have to play the stage, show after show. But, after a little stretch of what eventually made Bruce Springsteen what he is today, will do it for Crystal, also. This young lady is going to be huge!! Just give her time, and do yourself a favor. Give her a listen. You won't regret it!!
61 of 68 people found the following review helpful
By vi206
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have had a passing interest in American Idol. Watched David Cook intensely, otherwise pretty casual. Old guy, grew up with the rock that is now classic. Enjoy contemporary country. Was vacationing at Cedar Key, Florida playing 500 with friends with the minimal tv in a minimal room tuned to Idol back in March. Hadn't watched a minute of it that season so far, hate the foolish part. The women were heading towards the final qualifier and it was all pretty much the same. Then in the background a Tracy Chapman cover and I was stopped in my tracks. Since that moment, I haven't a good reason not to surround myself in this extraordinary artist. Crystal's story, the stuff of legends, is well told. How many artists thank the Chicago Transit Authority or the people who have harmed them on their liner notes?
Above all there is and always has been that voice...pretty, powerful, passionate...when it is front and center, there is nothing like it. Listen first to Mason with husband/friend Brian, then the title track, then the Buffalo Springfield cover, then Holy Toledo. Stay focused on Crystal's voice, let it move you. Get lost in it. There is nothing else you have ever heard quite like it.
Enjoy!
Above all there is and always has been that voice...pretty, powerful, passionate...when it is front and center, there is nothing like it. Listen first to Mason with husband/friend Brian, then the title track, then the Buffalo Springfield cover, then Holy Toledo. Stay focused on Crystal's voice, let it move you. Get lost in it. There is nothing else you have ever heard quite like it.
Enjoy!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like her voice
I liked her voice from her start on American Idol. I still like her voice but not some of her song choices.
Published 4 days ago by Ned L. Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly great album!
rock-a-billy rhythm and a beautiful voice. I hope she makes many more albums. I'll buy them all.
Big fan during AI and even bigger now.
Big fan during AI and even bigger now.
Published 7 days ago by Sarah Fine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
Not much a country girl fan but she sings well. She gets you moving. I saw her on American Idol and she was great.
Published 1 month ago by cat woman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stays on
I have put this CD in my car, and I play it non-stop. If I'm driving, it's on. What a gift Crystal has. I want more of her.
Published 1 month ago by Rebecca
5.0 out of 5 stars
Album ROCK!
Great songs from a HOME TOWN GAL! She is making strides in her career. Gotta get the new one that just came out.
Published 1 month ago by Teri
2.0 out of 5 stars
Modified Version
Be Warned, this is not the original, it is a Wal-mart type children's version. Not the original lyrics. Read more
Published 1 month ago by M & M's Grandpa
3.0 out of 5 stars
Farmer's Daughter
I liked Crystal Bowersox on American Idol. Her songs there were better than the CDs she released. I wish she had recorded more CDs that were as good as her renditions
Published 2 months ago by jacqueline Mabry Frankum
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crystal's voice is amazing
Crystal's voice is full of feeling...makes you feel the words. A little bit Carol King, a little Carly Simon, and a lot of Janis! This album is a must have
Published 2 months ago by Dede Richard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great music
Very good songs, Crystal Bowersox has a great voice and the 'farmer's daughter' has a lot of truth to it. Great performer.
Published 3 months ago by Hannelore A.Collingwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Farmer's Daughter
just what we ordered, just as it was described,would buy again if i needed it again or for different one
Published 3 months ago by Alan
