Customer Reviews

Men & Mascara

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I liked Julie's debut album, but her new album is LEAPS & BOUNDS better. This album is amazing. Julie has matured as an artist and singer. She knows what works for her emotional alto voice and delivers these new songs with passion, strength, and sadness. Buy this album...you'll be glad you did.

First of all, let my start by saying I am a huge Faith Hill fan. She is an astounding vocalist, energizing performer, and passionate musician. This business with her being "unable to pick good songs" and "connect with her music" is absolute baloney. Having seen her live multiple times, I can assure you that Hill performs with stellar vocals that soar to sky and a passion and conviction that are almost tangible, especially on GREAT songs like 'Cry' and 'Breathe'. Hill is a wonderful artist, and Julie Roberts should be greatly flattered by such comparisons.

And it seems that the comparisons are just. Julie returns with her sophomore effort with even greater material. Each song is oozing with emotion and Roberts delivers consistantly. As the reviewer says, there isn't a single skip-worthy track on the disc. Julie captures and enraptures the listener from the first track, the lively "I ain't gonna take it anymore" anthem 'Paint and Pillows' to the more somber and subdued finale 'All I Want is You'. In a sense, the album is a cathartic discovery of a woman's self in love and loss, and, as the reviewer also said, be prepared for some heavy, oft-times unhappy material. In fact, most of the songs included on the album are lacking in the happy ending department. But it works out so well, because Julie utilizes her admirable instrument of voice to tap into the feeling and mood of the lyrics she's singing and really connect with her audience. She does so triumphantly, and beneath the surface of sad songs there is a faint glimmer of hope, which Julie exposes with her sultry, gritty alto. As should also be noted, Roberts' vocals have, in fact, grown since her debut. She exercises a great dear more range, especially on songs like the title track, "That Ain't a Crime", and "Mama Don't Cry". She proves that, in addition to her commendable songwriting skills, Julie has an undeniable pair of pipes. This girl can blow.

Highly recommended!

I really like Julie Roberts first album. I must say her latest album is even better than the first!!!! On her second album, Julie's voice seems more confident and mature. If radio would play her more, any of these songs can become a hit. They are all that good! I really enjoy her remake of Girl Next Door. That one is sure to be a hit!!! If you like the more traditional sound of country, pick up this album. You will not be disappointed. Hopefully this album catapults Julie to the next level in her career! My picks are: Paint and Pillows, Too Damn Young, First to Never Know, Men and Mascara, Girl Next Door! Thank you for an awesome album Julie!!!!

I picked up Men & Mascara this morning and I am in love! What a great follow up to her first album which was also an amazing find. I have been following Julie ever since I heard her first single "Break Down Here" and I have been a fan ever since.
One of my favorite songs on the new album is "Too Damn Young". What a great song, I feel like I have lived that song!
I give this one way more than 5 stars! I give it 500 stars!

Julie Roberts is an amazing singer. This album really shows that too. I love the songs Too Damn Young, Men and Mascara, and Girl Next Door. I saw Julie in concert last month and she sang these songs and she did awesome. I can't wait to listen to this CD over and over again!!!

Julie is by far my favorite singer. Her first CD is still my favorite but this one is probably tied:) She has such a beautiful amazing voice. Amazing CD! Must have.

Julie Roberts maintains to be one of the handful of country performers to remain true to the esssence of country music. Her voice is pure poetry! Julie offers none of the cross-over blandness of a Faith Hill, S. Twain or ex-flavor of the month G. Wilson. Patsy Cline must smile from heaven at the sound of her voice. Bless her heart, you're doing good, Ms. Roberts!

On Roberts' second album, we witness a fantastic and rare sophomore success story. Like a mainstream Allison Moorer, except more consistent, her voice is as strong or stronger than on her debut. While exhibiting a little more production value than the first album, she remains under the gloss of most of today's country albums. Her tone is straight forward, and the music is terrific. The lyrics and vocals are beautiful, and showcase her songwriting talents as well as a knack for range and timbre. The songs are very neo-traditional and don't venture into the pop-country or rock-country that most mainstream musicians do - it's all country here. Because of the honest production, Roberts' true talent is really allowed to shine through. It is a diamond in the rough and an amazing value. This makes it my pick for the best female country album of 2006.

I am known to have highly eclectic music tastes, loving everything from Keith Urban to Rilo Kiley, from Missy Elliott to Bright Eyes. I picked up this CD because I really liked Julie Roberts' first CD. This one is really incredible. I found it more touching and heart-breaking than the first CD, but also containing more fun tracks ("First to Never Know" and "Girl Next Door"). It creates a strikingly diverse album that is all united by Julie's incredible voice.

Two years ago Julie Roberts released her self-titled debut and it turned out to be my favorite CD of the year. On her second effort, Julie exudes more confidence in her follow-up. She also penned four of the tracks. What remains the same is the traditional edge to her style. " Men and Mascara " is a worthwhile effort to Julie's gold debut.