Customer Reviews

Hey Y'all

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Finally. Apparently by accident, Warner Bros. signed and released an album from a by-God country music artist. Not an ACT, an artist. The difference is pretty obvious - Kenny Chesney:Act; Sara Evans: Act; Emmy Lou Harris, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton: Artists. Add Elizabeth Cook to the Artist list.

She wrote or co-wrote every song save the Jessie Colter cover of "I'm Not Lisa".

She hired the cream of the gutsy session musicians, in particular guitarist Kenny Vaughan and steel guitarist Dan Dugmore. Their Bakersfield-meets-Liverpool-meets-Billy Sherrill intros, fills and hooks give the album some of it's charm. The rest is supplied by the clarity, honesty and power of Cook's voice.

There's plenty of twang and just enough torch on the semi-salacious track "Demon" to make any criticism of having a fake "barefoot hillbilly schtick" moot.

The guitars twangle and jangle, the vocals are crisp and melodious, the tracks sound fresh and "live". This is what's missing in Nashville, and why anyone would prefer to listen to "Mutt Lange's Science Project Part 4" is beyond me. Do yourself a favor - buy this record and hear how Country is supposed to sound.

Although she kinda lays her aw shucks, down-home persona on a bit thick, this Nashville-based hillbilly rebel certainly made me sit up and pay attention... This album is a welcome throwback to the pop-savvy hick music of years gone by, twangy yet tightly crafted, and full of good-natured intelligence and a real sense of fun. "Hey Y'All" is an open challenge to the glitzy overproduction of today's Top 40 country. Cook's squeaky little voice draws swift comparison to Dolly Parton, a likening she eagerly welcomes, as heard on the clever tribute, "Dolly," which humorously details the sleazy come-ons and not-so-subtle harassment a country gal must endure en route to a record contract. Cook aligns herself with old-school hillbilly holdouts like Porter Wagoner and Melba Montgomery who stuck to their rural roots in the 1960s, even as the rest of the country world got slicker and slicker. There's a little hint of early '70s countrypolitan in Cook's work, particularly on tunes like the Lynn Anderson-styled "Everyday Sunshine" and the album's irresistible opener, "Stupid Things," but by today's standards Cook is practically a musical Luddite. She might not top the Billboard charts anytime soon, but folks who like their country music pure and simple might want to check this disc out. Keep your eyes on this gal!

When a singer makes their debut on a major label (it's not her first album ever), comparisons with others are inevitable. Some compare her to Tammy, Loretta and Emmylou, but although I can hear echoes of each of them (as well as Barbara Fairchild and Iris DeMent) in Elizabeth, she doesn't really sound like any of the five, but somewhere in between all of them.

This album entertains from beginning to end, beginning with Stupid things, the first single released to radio. All the songs were written or co-written by Elizabeth except I'm not Lisa, a brilliant cover of Jessi Colter's classic song.

One of the songs provides an amusing look at her struggle to get the right deal. Titled Dolly, the question Elizabeth keeps asking is Oh, Dolly, did you go through this? Elizabeth once performed this with Dolly listening backstage, not knowing what Dolly would think of it - but Dolly approved.

There are many other great songs here, but it is clear from this album and her own website that Elizabeth has the voice, looks, brains and personality required for success. With major labels starting to get interested in traditional country again, perhaps she has arrived at just the right time.

There is no way that Elizabeth could follow Sara Evans or Lee Ann Womack down the crossover road - her voice twangs too much for that. She will succeed or fail on a much more traditional sound. Yes, it has a contemporary feel, but there is no hint of pop whatsoever.

If you love traditional country music, you must buy this to prove to the major labels that it's worth their investment. If you don't, you only have yourself to blame if all you get from them is crossover music.

This album is one of those left-field surprises that exceeds any hopes or expectations you might have for it. She's got it all--the voice, the lyrics, the arrangements, the spirit (and not to mention the looks)--to cut across the humdrum pit of modern country music. Her voice is being compared to Loretta and Dolly--which isn't unfair--but she reminds me a lot of Pam Tillis. Like Pam Tillis, she's country and twangy, but genuinely so and does not come across with any kind of pretense whatsoever. But don't think she's a substitute for Pam Tillis or anyone else; her uniqueness and presence really come across. She's the real deal!

This album covers both humor and pathos, and none of it is stupid, trite, fluffy, or overproduced (i.e. she's nothing like Shania, thank goodness). But it's not heavy-handed, either. It's *slightly* reminiscent of late 70's Southern California country-rock, but it's definitely rootsy country. It covers love and romance, family ("Mama You Wanted To Be A Singer Too"), trying to keep it real in Nashville ("Dolly"), down home memories ("Ocala"), and survival ("God's Got A Plan For Me"). She also offers a powerful take on Jessie Colter's hit song "I'm Not Lisa" (an underrated singer/songwriter in her own right).

If you're a country fan of any type (traditional or pop), then you won't be disappointed. This one is a standout!

Call me mushy (or Ishmael, if you wish), but I liked Jesse Colter's "I'm Not Lisa" when it was released a generation ago. My friends thought I was sappy (and worse), but it was always a fave.

Imagine, then, the goosebumps I felt when I heard the first few familiar strains on Cut 5 of Elizabeth Cook's "Hey Y'All". I usually preview a purchase cold - no liner notes, no discography, just the music. I went from "Wow, this sounds like . . ." to "OMG, is it? . . ." to "Ho Man!" and then silence so I could listen. Brought tears to my eyes it did. EC's pure, lonesome sound brought a plaint and pain to the song even the original lacked.

Even if this had been the only halfway decent cut, it still would have been worth it. But, guess what? There's a whole disc of great, original tunes crafted by a songstress who also wields an epitomal bluegrass voice.

(Sidebar: Alison Krauss is good. Nice songs, good voice, but NOT bluegrass).

Cook's high, woman-child tone can make you laugh with "Stupid Things" and "Dolly, Did You Go Through This?" and positively kill you with "Mama, You Wanted To Be A Singer Too" and, of course, cut 5.

If you like the real McCoy - the honest "Down From The Mountain" sound of a true bluegrass vocal style, you'll like Elizabeth Cook.

Elizabeth Cook's "Hey Y'All" is an excellent debut. On Jessi Colter's "I'm Not Lisa," she revitalizes this excellent song that builds with a dramatic determined pace, "She left you here, drowning in your tears, here, where you've stayed for years." The set concentrates on uptempo toe tappers like the peppy opener "Stupid Things," but Cook equally excels when she slows the pace as on "You Move Too Fast" with her world-weary vocals, "This love won't last if we don't slow down." "Blue Shades" sounds like Elvis Presley era country, "Blue shades for red eyes so I can't see my purple heart." "God's Got A Plan" starts with a sermon before the Whites join in on the good-time track. Elizabeth Cook shows herself to be an excellent vocalist and songwriter whose country roots are sheer delight. Enjoy!

Like many have said this girl just maybe one of those singers right now that brings country music back to its roots. The guys in country music seem to be doing the right thing but some of the woman in country music right now are taking there music over the top like Shania Twain and Faith Hill and Leann Rimes their videos are to pop and there music is dry and tasteless. Elizabeth Cook's album Hey Y'all is really nice. Every song is about something nice and you might actually learn something from these songs. These songs tell a story and have a point and I do not see this girl anytime soon in any of her videos getting on rocket ships and having clones and robots and and wearing strange outfits like Shania Twain. But sadly as it may be this album is failing to make the top 40 and country radio is not hearing this album. It may be 2 or 3 years and a few albums later before Nashville's main scene starts listening. But at least a few of us are hearing this and are trying to see big things happen for a real singer like this girl. Bottom Line As a guy she even looks sexier than any female singer right now in country music.

Elizabeth Cook is the latest addition to the onslaught of female singers who have hit country music over the last few years. However, as the title suggests, the major label debut by this Florida native is as country as it gets. Unlike young crossover artists like LeAnn Rimes and Lila McCann, Cook is armed with a unique musical gift that gives a big "Howdy!" to classic country music.

Already, Cook has been hailed by music critics for her skillful songwriting and musical style. With a youthful voice that sounds like a hybrid of Loretta Lynn's Kentucky twang and Dolly Parton, her music is ideal for anyone who likes their country the way it was meant to be served: with plenty of raw tradition and talent. While the opening track, "Stupid Things," is pleasingly addictive, songs like "Rainbows at Midnight" and the gorgeous "I'm Not Lisa" show Cook's musical skill. From beginning to end, the songs run the gamut from reminiscent ("Mama You Wanted To Be A Singer Too") to satirical ("Dolly," a tribute to Parton) to provocative (the sultry "Blue Shades"). While the album remains predominately country, Cook strays from her traditional influences on other tracks, such as the bluesy "Demon" and "Everyday Sunshine," a song that easily mirrors the bubble gum hits of the early 1970's. Hey Ya'll's highlights culminate on the breathtaking closing track "Ocala." The song's bittersweet theme will hit home with anyone who has ever longed to return to his or her hometown, while Cook's soaring vocals are sure to send chills down any listener's spine.

For those who enjoy the music of Lynn, alternative country queen Emmylou Harris, or Dixie Chick Natalie Maines, Hey Ya'll is worth your time and money. Discover the music of a rising star who is sure to make an impact on Nashville.

I read a favorable review of this CD in Pulse magazine and decided to give it a try. And I am sure glad I did! In today's bland and all-too-radio-friendly "country" music that isn't really country music at all, it is GREAT to actually pick up a CD that is roots-inflected country sung by a terrific vocalist!

Cook wrote or co-wrote 11 of the CD's 12 songs, and she is terrific songwriter. She's smart and articulate, but at times she gives herself permission to be silly, which is startlingly refreshing. I mean, I cannot remember the last time a country song made past 1985 actually made me laugh out loud!

The CD kickstarts with "Stupid Things," which should be a big hit if it gets airplay. It's a fast, fun song about the stupid stuff people do when they are in love. Other standout tracks include "Everyday Sunshine," "God's Got A Plan" and "Dolly," a song that details different sexist hurdles Cook has had to overcome in the music business, all the while asking, "Dolly, did you go through this???"

Despite all its high points, the CD's most remarkable recording is Cook's marvelous reading of Jessi Colter's classic "I'm not Lisa." While I was skeptical that anyone besides Jessi Colter could do the song justice, Cook sings it like it's her favorite song in the entire world, with great love and respect. I played this song for a country music fan friend of mine who was so floored that he played it three times back to back.

I recommend this CD to people who love real country music, and do not need the female singer to do a sexy dance or have a pierced belly button to be considered worthy of their time. This is real music, sung by a woman who obviously loves the kind of music she sings. Truly a rarity in popular music these days.

This is such a welcome change from the female country sound that is being marketed these days. Elizabeth has a beautiful voice with a great "twang" and her songs are witty, poignant and thoughtful (she wrote all but one on the CD, Jessie Colter's "Im Not Lisa") and showcase her old-fashioned country sound. If you love traditional country music, you will love this one.