Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits

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It must seem odd to most American country music listeners to hear that Michelle Wright has released a Greatest Hits cd. Her country radio success in the states consists of one top ten hit: the defiant anthem "Take It Like A Man." In her native Canada, however, Wright has been one of country's biggest stars with a steady stream of hit records.

Repeated listens to this collection clearly indicate that American radio programmers dropped the ball when they snubbed Wright's music. Material like the poignant adoption tale "He Would Be Sixteen" and the rousing "Nobody's Girl" are just as strong as the stuff Trisha, Martina, and Reba hit big with in the 90's. In one instance, the material is the same: Wright recorded "Safe In The Arms Of Love" first, but Martina McBride beat her onto American radio with her own rendition (Wright's version was the more successful in Canada).

As American country radio thrives on familiarity, it probably hasn't helped that Wright lacks an easily identifiable sound. On rowdy, uptempo numbers like "Guitar Talk," Wright raspily sounds like Melissa Etheridge while slower numbers such as "What Love Looks Like" recall Wynonna's voice at its prettiest.

Pretty is an understatement when describing the two new recordings found on Greatest Hits. The lush ballad "When I Found You" is an impressive Wright composition, while "Your Love" is a collaboration with pianist Jim Brickman which features one of the most gorgeous melodies ever. The latter's recent top 20 success on the American Adult Contemporary charts may signal a new marketing route for future Wright recordings (if so, country's loss).

To the uninitiated, Greatest Hits serves as a great introduction to Wright's underappreciated vocal talents. Established fans may want to check out the expanded Canadian version of this collection. It contains six extra tracks, including her electronic duet with Patsy Cline on "Walking After Midnight" and a stirring, gospel-tinged rendition of the Impressions' hit People Get Ready."

Michelle has a wonderful strong voice that somehow didn't catch on like it should have. She has a similar sounding voice to Lorrie Morgan's but is distuguished to her own style.

Lots of great songs here including my favorite Michelle song: What Love Looks Like. Other great songs are Safe In The Arms Of Love (just as good as Martina McBride's version), Take It Like A Man, Nobody's Girl, and The Answer Is Yes. One song omitted from this collection that should have been here is One Good Man. But this is a great collection of music for anyone wanting something from Michelle.

I cannot understand why Michelle Wright is not at the top of country music here in the States. Just went to her concert: fabulous stage presence, her absolutely wonderful voice, plus a terrific band. This album has all my favorites, especially "Take it Like a Man". Her voice pulls me out of my usual jazz and blues into the country.

I am extremely pleased with the work she's done on this album: this music stands the test of time.

This a great modern country music compilation; can't understand why Michelle never got bigger. Michelle has a great, full alto voice. There's not much fast stuff on here, but a bunch of stuff with a good, steady beat that moves forward. A few ballads are mixed in. This is a very enjoyable and listenable album. The listener can just throw the CD in and let it play; there's no fill that tempts you to skip. Good songs:

New Kind of Love
All You Really Wanna Do
Take it Like a Man
Guitar Talk
One Good Man
Safe in the Arms of Love - also done by McBride. Michelle's version compares favorably

Nobody's Girl
The Answer is Yes
People Get Ready - Michelle does a gospel-style tune well
Walkin After Midnight - Michelle does the Patsy Clyne tune well