Customer Reviews

Revolution

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Miranda Lambert, the spit fire with the stunning voice and sharply written tunes to match has finally come out with a complete album leaving little doubt that she deserves enough radio play for not only her content but also her voice. It's a shame she is not appreciated more. She is the female equivalent of Gary Allan; vocalists whose voices are so distinct that you can instantly recognize them on the radio ... if they were played more often on the radio.

What makes Revolution such a strong album is that Lambert is clearly going for a more mainstream sound but without sacrificing her attitude. "Me and Your Cigarettes" is a perfect example with lyrics such as: "light us up and then throw us down/walk away when we hit the ground," is given power because she undermines the delivery. She's not afraid to let the lyrics in these songs drive you instead of selling "Miranda Lambert." And just like the acts that are getting it right on the radio, Darius Rucker, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, she's going for content; strong melody. These songs will take root in your brain.

Also, there seems to be more to mine in these songs than what she's given us before, deeper lyrics, more introspective. Her voice has grown in range and it shows, simply stunning in "Makin' Plans." It rides under the melody and guitar play beautifully, and the harmony is just as seductive.

I don't want to put out the wrong message as with the vibe of this album, even though Lambert seems to have corralled her strong points into wondrous melancholy; she still knows how to rip a song apart, tearing into "Sin for Sin" with pure raw power and doing it again with "White Liar."

I hope with this disc she finally gets the mainstream megastardom that has eluded her so far. Lambert has talent to spare and a vocal purity that needs to be appreciated on a much larger scale. This disc is what the Dixie Chicks have been striving for, and almost reaching, since they hit the scene. Calling this one of the best country discs so far this decade would not be an overstatement, truly excellent.

My problem with Miranda Lambert's first two CDs was that they sounded like twangy tough chick therapy sessions. I felt she had successfully created a niche and a persona to allow herself to stand out from the crowd of pretty blond Nashville wannabe stars. Her vocal abilities and songwriting skills were never in doubt. But I seldom was able to get past that hard exterior of that persona to get a glimpse of the real Miranda as opposed to the character she was playing.

With her third CD "Revolution," problem solved.

I don't know if it's age/maturity, having seen more of the world, her happy relationship with boyfriend Blake Shelton, or the encroachment of Carrie Underwood into her niche, but with "Revolution" we are earwitness to the birth of a real artist. Here is the true Miranda Lambert, warts and all.

She is still tough at times ("Me And Your Cigarettes"), still angry at times ("Maintain The Pain"), and still unhappy at times ("Dead Flowers"). But by the halfway point we've also gotten wistful ("Airstream Song"), hopeful ("Makin' Plans") and even ironic ("Time To Get A Gun"). And from there she just kicks it into another gear and becomes a star as opposed to a chick singer.

Starting with Julie Miller's "Somewhere Trouble Don't Go," Miranda delivers seven consecutive killer songs that paint a portrait of a fully dimensional human being willing to expose her true self to the world. And the results are brilliant. The haunting "The House That Built Me" (I know that they say you can't go home again/I just had to come back one last time), the nearly gleeful "Love Song," the self-revelatory "Heart Like Mine" (I heard Jesus, he drank wine/And I bet we'd get along just fine/He could calm a storm and heal the blind/And I'd bet he'd understand a heart like mine), the woman betrayed of "Sin For A Sin," the older but wiser "That's The Way That The World Goes Round" (written by John Prine) and the sweet and tender CD closer "Virginia Bluebell." If you haven't become a huge Miranda Lambert by the time the CD ends you weren't really listening. Stick to your Muzak.

It's always a joy to hear a talent truly blossoming. I'm sure I'll be listening to Miranda Lamberts "Revolution" in heavy rotation and looking forward to her next one and the ones after that as well.

So I was getting anxious that this album wouldn't live up to my expectations. I saw Miranda with Kenny in the summer and she did some songs from Revolution, but it's hard to really tell when hearing them live for the first time. Kerosene was great and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend really grew on me. So was it possible for Miranda Lambert to put out yet another solid effort (we see so many artists faulter)? Well, thankfully the answer is a resounding yes. Revolution is really a great record. It is different than Crazy Ex, just as Crazy Ex was different than Kerosene (and both were great in their own right). But rest assured Miranda still rocks, twangs and rolls with the best of them. Best of all, Miranda's spunky Texas tongue-in-cheek humor and sarcasm are alive and well. "Only Prettier," "Time to Get a Gun," and "That's the Way the World Goes Round" (my favorite song on the CD) are a few examples of that. So have no fear: Ran has NOT gone soft on us. Still, she is getting more introspective and it really shines on this record. I usually don't list slow songs among my faves, but Miranda's "The House That Built Me" is a beautiful beautiful song. The timbre in her voice on this one is really great -- I hadn't heard her like that before. Listen on headphones and you will know what I mean. "Airstream Song" is another laid back, thoughtful porch-swing kind of song that gets into your head. All in all, this is a very solid album and Miranda is alive and well and still kicking hard. I like just about every track on this record. This is arguably her best record to date. There are only a couple that I skip by now and then. Fans and newbies alike will not be disappointed. (Now if only Miranda would record a version of Fighting Side of Me...)

Continuing with her down home brand of southern country music, Miranda Lambert's "Revolution" is another example of how contemporary country music can also be listenable and traditional, without falling into the trap of pandering to pop and folk audiences. With both Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, their songs, while certainly good, are rather far removed from what country music actually strives to be - a sad trend that Shania Twain seemed to cement.

Thankfully, Lambert's resolve to dig deep and go rootsy has paid off, with nearly every track here working as a throwback to the past, as well as gleaning influences from Zac Brown Band, Lee Ann Womack, and some killer songwriting that harkens to the glory days of Reba McEntire. This may or may not work for many audiences, but as a follower of Lamberts for nearly six years, it is clear that her growth is evident - as both a vocalist and a songwriter.

The only downside to 'Revolution' is its' insistence on over-production, which lends key tracks a sort of odd flatness. I suppose they were going for the arena rock vibe which means that these songs would sound better live, but many a time you find Lambert's pristine vocals being drowned out by some horrible production - the layering of instruments is a bit off key as well, and instead of letting the voice take center stage, the instrumentation often comes in the way of it. In this regard I would compare it to Scarlett Johansson's "Anywhere I lay my Head" from 2008, where some really intriguing songs were barely listenable - as the voice was buried under stacks of various musical instruments.

The best songs on this disc are often the shortest. "Airstream Song" is barely over two minutes, and is the best thing here. Surprisingly, her choice of single releases from this album are baffling. "Dead Flowers" is a neat little track but hardly radio friendly (though it is well written). The storytelling facets that worked so well on "Kerosene" and the last album spring in full force towards the end of the album - especially on "The House that Built Me" and "Time to Get a Gun", though symbolically these two songs are polar opposites.

Blake Shelton seems to have played some influence upon the musical direction of this disc as there is a harder edge to some of the more upbeat tracks that was missing on the last CD. Still, there is nothing here as involving as "Down" from the last album, though album closer "Virginia Bluebell" is a great way to cap things off. I've always maintained that Lambert remains the flagbearer for modern country music. Everytime Lady Antebellum comes on I am reminded of the depths that country music has reached, and almost 'sold out', but like a breath of fresh air, Miranda has managed to rejuvenate the genre.

This album debuted at No. 1 on the Country Charts and No. 8 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. Sadly for her, it still remains virtually unknown by mainstream audiences who recognize contemporary country by Underwood, Swift and Urban. For the rest of us, Miranda continues to be a source of joy and sustenance, and her music just keeps getting better and better. Finally a CD that you can purchase for full retail and not feel guilty about. Stellar.

1. "White Liar" (Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby) -- 4:48
2. "Only Prettier" (Lambert, Hemby) -- 3:09
3. "Dead Flowers" (Lambert) -- 3:59
4. "Me and Your Cigarettes" (Lambert, Ashley Monroe, Blake Shelton) -- 2:24
5. "Maintain the Pain" (Lambert) -- 2:17
6. "Airstream Song" (Lambert, Hemby) -- 2:48
7. "Makin' Plans" (Lambert) -- 3:50
8. "Time to Get a Gun" (Fred Eaglesmith) -- 3:55
9. "Somewhere Trouble Don't Go" (Julie Miller) -- 3:21
10. "The House That Built Me" (Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin) -- 3:56
11. "Love Song" (Lambert, Shelton, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood) -- 2:49
* featuring Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum
12. "Heart Like Mine" (Lambert, Monroe, Travis Howard) -- 2:57
13. "Sin for a Sin" (Lambert, Shelton) -- 3:28
14. "That's the Way That The World Goes 'Round" (John Prine) -- 3:25
15. "Virginia Bluebell" (Lambert, Hemby, Jennifer Kennard) -- 3:46

Having followed Miranda Lambert since her "Nashville Star" days, I've enjoyed watching her develop into a confident, creative artist. However, nothing could prepare me for REVOLUTION, a work of stunning maturity and brilliant originality. Lambert manages to push the envelope here, while still being true to herself and her roots. A true renegade/outlaw (in the Nelson/Jennings/Cash sense of the word), she's also a real softie, the girl next door with a heart of gold....and a mean left hook!
The album opens with the exquisite "White Liar." This song is everything a killer single should be...an amazing lead vocal, crisp instrumentation, a tight arrangement and smart lyrics ("The truth comes out a little at a time/And it spreads just like a fire/Slips off of your tongue like turpentine"). VERY nice.
Part of Lambert's major charm is her sense of humor...it's never forced or phony...it's her, and it's real. I mean, how can you NOT love a song with the lyrics "Well I've been saved by the grace of Southern charm/I got a mouth like a sailor and your's is more like a Hallmark card?" "Only Prettier" is clever, cute, sly and smart, all rolled up into one little gem.
Why "Dead Flowers" wasn't a mega-hit is beyond me...this track is amazing! Lambert's vocal is spot-on, just dripping with feeling, while the arrangement is absolutely hypnotic. But what really gets me is the EMOTION....the song just exudes emotion! Without a doubt, 2009's biggest "Should've Been A Hit!!"
"Me And Your Cigarettes" is my favorite cut on the album...sparkling arrangement, smooth lead vocal, fun lyrics (God, I could see Martha Davis and the Motels covering this song!). The only problem? At just over two minutes, it's WAY too short! You're just getting into the song....and it's over! Still...love it!
Ditto "Maintain The Pain", a rollicking rocker. Lambert seems just as at home kicking out the jams and spitting out these edgy lyrics ("I put a bullet in my radio/Something just hit me funny, I don't know/Just pulled the trigger going down the road"). Definitely one of REVOLUTION's high points!
And then there's "Airstream Song." You know a song is strong when you can hear someone else covering it in your head. If Stevie Nicks ever does that Country album she's been talking about for years, well, this cut HAS to be on it! Lovely melody, killer vocal, gorgeous lyrics ("Sometimes I wish I lived on a mountain/Drank from a stream instead of a fountain"), this song has it all, but.....once again, WAY too short!
There's an easy grace to "Makin' Plans" that is positively captivating. The melody just sort of flows, with Lambert's vocal dancing delicately over it. It takes real talent to make something like this cut sound so easy. Brilliant.
Lambert's sense of humor rears it's wicked head once again on "Time To Get A Gun." Gifted with a percussive arrangement that just chugs along and a sly lead vocal that is totally tongue in cheek, once again you just GOTTA love a song with the lyrics "Time to get a gun, that's what I've been thinkin'/I could afford one if I did just a little less drinkin'!!"
"Somewhere Trouble Don't Go" is a total rave-up, sort of a post-'80's cowpunk stomper. Thing is, Lambert NAILS it! Picture Lucinda Williams and Rosie Flores double dating with Rank 'n' File. One of REVOLUTION's finest ~ and most fun! ~ moments!
From here we do a complete 180 with the achingly beautiful "The House That Built Me." Having just lost my mom earlier this year, songs about growing up, memories, family and the person all of these things make you have really hit me hard, and this quiet little stunner is right at the top of the list. Kudos to Lambert on a stunning lead vocal.
"Love Song" is one of the most honest, mature...well, love songs!....ever penned. A sweeping arrangement wraps itself around an assured lead vocal. Toss in smart lyrics ~ "I was standin' there cryin' in the kitchen/It's been one of those mornings that's gonna last all day"~ and you have another REVOLUTION high point!
"Heart Like Mine" might rankle some feathers, but Lambert's not apologizing to anyone. Instead, she'll play it coy ("Even though I hate to admit it/Sometimes I smoke cigarettes/Christian folks say I should quit it/I just smile and say 'God bless'"). Real...or put on? You decide...and that's half the fun!
There's an edgy twang to "Sin For A Sin" that's both mesmerizing and a tad bit scary. The arrangement pulses along as Lambert's vocals weave in and out. There's a sort of push/pull quality to the cut that just draws you in. Organized chaos is what this is...and it works, oh, so very well!
Lambert's clever side rises up front and center once again on "That's The Way The World Goes 'Round", a bawdy John Prine cover. A blistering rock groove and kitchy lyrics ("It's a half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown/That's the way the world goes 'round") add up to a rowdy good time.
Things wrap up on a sweet, simple note with the tender "Viginia Bluebell." A muted arrangement perfectly cushions Lambert's gorgeous lead vocal. Miranda has been quoted as saying that, with this album, she wanted to be "more than just the girl who shoots people." This lovely track proves just how true that is.
So now what? Being the most successful "Nashville Star" alum and having three hit albums under her belt is something Miranda Lambert can be very proud of. But I don't think that's enough for her. And that's why I think REVOLUTION, my odds on favorite for 2009's Album of the Year, only hints at the great things yet to come from this young lady. (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).

Overall I am very impressed with the songs on this album, I think they show a lot of creativity, growth and maturity from Miranda. Have been a fan since Nashville Star and thoroughly enjoyed her previous 2 CDs. This girl can rock it out and her ballads are usually gorgeous! But the production on most songs just overpowers her beautiful and unique voice, so for me, the listening here isn't as pleasurable as I'd like. Favorite cuts are White Liar, Dead Flowers, Me and Your Cigarettes and Virginia Bluebell (absolutely gorgeous!). Her voice really shines on Making Plans - just wish her vocal was more in the forefront on most of the other tunes as well. But overall, pleased with the CD. I like the uniqueness of Miranda - I'm pretty tired of all the divas out there, they all just sound the same to me.

Way back in 1974 Linda Ronstadt released "Heart Like A Wheel." A few years later, Emmylou Harris released "Luxury Liner." I remember many people confused, even angered, by the mix of traditional country, pop, rock, and whatever else Linda and Emmy could throw into the mix. It was wonderful.

And all these years later, there is Miranda Lambert. Burning further along the same path Harris and Ronstadt first scortched decades ago, Lambert shines.

It's an amazing CD...jawdropping. Every few decades an artist like Lambert emerges. What fun!

Miranda Lambert is incapable of writing a boring song or performing without utter conviction. She's the complete country package: a beautiful singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist with a sharp intelligence and a powerful delivery.

On her third major-label outing, her gifts becomes crystal clear with the very first track, "White Liar," in which she levels her razor wit at a cheatin' man. She shows her sense of humor on "Only Prettier" and spills her guts on the heartbreaking "Dead Flowers." She visits traditional country music territory on "Me and Your Cigarettes," "Makin' Plans," and "Heart Like Mine."

The band rocks with guts to match Miranda's on songs like "Maintain the Pain" and "Time to Get a Gun," but they dial it back when she's singing a love song like the stunning "Love Song" or the sweet "Virginia Bluebell." Her covers, including Julie Miller's "Somewhere Trouble Don't Go" and John Prine's "That's the Way the World Goes Round," are totally different from the originals, allowing her to put her unique stamp on them. She's sad at times, tough at others, and she can even be goofy on occasion, but she's never less than uncompromising.

With her first two albums, Miranda Lambert proved her genius to the world, winning critical raves and industry awards. What she didn't win were massive sales and superstardom. "Revolution" should change this: 15 passionate, perfect tracks that will make you forget all about those other blonde babes who populate the country charts. Sorry, Cutesy Carrie and Auto-Tune Taylor -- Miranda simply has more talent.

Really like her music, but just a little dissappointed in the quality of CD. There is a loud tone on two tracks "That's the way the world goes'round" and "Virginia bluebell". The tone is really distracting, after you hear the song the first time you don't want to hear the song again because it is very noticeable and no it's not an intercom ,nor is it your seatbelt in your vehicle warning you to buckle up, it is the actual Cd. Apart from that her album is good.

I have been a Miranda fan since i first heard Famous in a Small Town way back in the begining. I got started a little late jumping on her bandwagon but i will tell anyone who will listen she is one of the most talented young women in country music today. Far better than Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood!! Now i will admit the songs on this album are a little softer that what we are used to from Miranda, coming off of tracks like Gunpoweder and Lead a lot of things would seem soft in comparison. But it's a nice change of pace and she still sounds phenomenal. White Liar is a great opening track with strong lyrics and a great beat. My favorite song off the whole album has to be The house that built me. This song brought tears to my eyes the first time i listened to it and it touches me each time i play it. Overall this is a good strong cd, i can see how some fans of Miranda's harder stuff will be a little let down, but this is just a softer side of her. And it just goes to show what a truly versatile singer/song writer she is to be able to do a 180 on this ablum and still sound great and do a fantastic job.