Customer Reviews

Love Travels

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As far as I know, country music artists don't have "Q" ratings like TV stars, but if they did Kathy Mattea would surely rate among the most likeable. So far I've only see her perform on television (though I'm looking forward to seeing her in person in a couple of weeks) but she is a extremely engaging performer and a fine singer. As country stars go, she's one of the most eclectic and least mannered. Her artistic integrity is readily apparent. Even though she does not pen the bulk of her material herself, she has a flair for finding great songs and making them all her own.

"Love Travels" is a fine record, almost a concept album with its many songs of transcendant, almost spiritual love (the title song, "Sending Me Angels," "End of the Line," and the ode to Martin Luther King, "Beautiful Fool" which closes the album). Of course, there's a portion of traditional "country tears of thee" too in a song like "If That's What You Call Love,." and Kathy's folky tendencies are given vent on Cheryl Wheeler's "Further and Further." There's plenty of uptempo light country rock ("I'm on Your Side," "All Roads to the River," and Gillian Welch's "455 Rocket") as well. Not a bad cut on the record. The gal's got taste and class, and she brings something special to every song she records.

Whether she's helping to bring new songwriters to her audience's attention (2 Gillian Welch efforts here, before Gillian was very well known) or serving up new work by veteran writers like Janis Ian (who co-wrote the aforementioned "All Roads..." with Kathy's hubby Jon Vezner), Mattea obviously does her homework when it comes to finding the right material for her rich, honeyed voice. Can't wait to see her live!

Kathy Mattea is a perfect example of why I have been able to tune into 'country' music. If 'I'm on Your Side' was'nt inspired by the Beatles' 'She's a Woman', then my eardrums are made of saran wrap!

This album is a mix of styles, subjects and moods. Why do we all feel we've heard 455 Rocket years ago? Because its classic. This album has not gotten the attention it deserves. In my opinion, if Kathy keeps her quality up to this level, she will someday be seen by the general public as the unique talent she is. And 'Beautiful Fool' is fantastic.

P.S. I think her videos are an achievement in their own right.

Kathy Mattea had her moments in the sun as Nashvile's reigning female artist but, on this album, shuns the country mainstream to make heartfelt music. The result is an album that probably isn't country but stands far above what gets played on country radio today. Standout tracks include "455 Rocket', "If That's What You Call Love", the spirited title track, and the swaying "Patiently Waiting." An album that deserves to be heard, and owned, by everyone!!!

I just moved into a new home, and while most of my CDs were packed, I discovered this one in a box that had been in my old office. Took it out, cranked it up, and danced around my house singing along as I cleaned. The title track is one I turn to again and again when I want a "feel good" upbeat track. The rest of the album is just as solid. Kathy is one of the finest artists out there...and I agree with the person who likened her to Mary Chapin. They both share a style that doesn't fit neatly into any package. Buy this one if you want to enjoy a true artist with one of the best voices in the biz!

I bought this cd JUST to get that one song... "455 Rocket" (and am not surprised that others have done the same). What a blend of jazz, blues, country, and just *go easy on me* music... I love and live this cd. and I play it a lot too... get it ....

You have to listen to this album. I mean really listen. It is not your basic country album. If you bought it like I did to listen to 455 Rocket, yes, I did expect more songs like that on it. I was still pleasantly surprised by all the other tracks. She is more like Mary chapin Carpenter, a true story teller. I really liked this album. don't be afraid to give it a try.

Kathy Mattea breaks away from the mainstream, raido-play country that made her name known. Instead, "Love Travels" showcases a musician with depth and bredth of talent. She flirts with a variety of styles. Every track is a quality piece within its own right. The album as a whole is one of a true musician who is playing/recording for the joy and challenge of creating quality music versus cinching a given mainstream hit. Mattea takes a risk and trusts that an informed audience will appreciate truly good music. If you are that type of person, you will like this album above her previous work.

Like everyone else in must admit I bought this album solely for the outstanding song "455 Rocket" one of the best and most unique country songs to come out in a long time, Kathy Mattea is at her very finest on this big hit and the video is so classic that if you like the music video, this is in a class by itself, but to by this album just for "455 Rocket" that is where the mistake is made. With songs like "I'm On Your Side"(terrific song and video) and "All Roads To The River" this album stands on its own and it is really nice to see an album like this do that and for once she did get noticed for the video for "455 Rocket" with various award recognitions. Like with "Walking Away Winner", "Love Travels" just shows how much more different Kathy Mattea is from most country acts, she's one of those country acts that doesn't need the limelight to showcase her talent when that come through time after time(take the hint Faith Hill). I like this album and I hope Kathy continues to bring out class music and stand out among the rest.

This album is a breakthrough for Kathy and country music in general. This album represents what country could become if it ever breaks its current commercial trends. This album represents a significant risk for Kathy. She could have stuck with a formula for radio play, but she was brave enough to forge a new path.

There is not a wrong note on this record; Kathy Mattea's vocals are beautiful, powerful, and soulful, and all the songs are expertly arranged. Any attempt to classify them into buckets like "country", "folk", "pop" etc is misguided, because Mattea is obviously indifferent to such boundaries, one mark of a great artist. All the songs are well-done, but my favorites are the bouncy and upbeat "Love Travels" and "Patiently Waiting", the gripping "All Roads to the River", and the heartbreaking and stunningly beautiful "Further and Further Away" and "Beautiful Fool".