Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Talent Trumps All, November 2, 2008
Disclosure. If you live in New Jersey and listen to country music chances are the windows remain rolled up tightly while you're driving. In the case of Lee Ann Womack this geographic bias does a grave disservice to a tremendous talent (It also doesn't help that the New York radio market hasn't fielded a country station for decades.)
Admittedly, I know very little about country as a genre and even less about Ms. Womack in particular, so stumbling across a few cuts on XM from her latest release, Call Me Crazy left me wondering just who the woman is behind the pipes. After buying the disc (and rolling up the windows) what I quickly discovered is a remarkable voice that in one minute can whisper a room full of pathos and in the next can literally shred your speakers. When you set your prejudices aside, it is clear that in the case of Lee Ann Womack talent is her genetic trump card.
That said, this is clearly not a feel good record, finding Womack in constant turmoil about one disastrous relationship or another - with Last Call, Either Way and If These Walls Could Talk (among others) hard-wired into 911. In fact, these are just the type of toxic reflections that run-of-the-mill bad relationships must talk about when they want to feel better about themselves. Some of us call lawyers while others drown their conflicts in a bar. Both have their virtues.
All that aside, what allows this release to transcend the material's Soap Opry inclinations is Womack's seemingly limitless vocal range. Each song goes to a real place that is unfailingly powerful, honest and tough-minded. Country or not - there's always room for that - even in New Jersey.
Highly recommended!
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Call Me Impressed!, October 23, 2008
Three years is a long time to wait for new music from any vocalist. Many careers are made and quickly fade in that span of time. Sometimes too, the anticipation for something new doesn't always live up to one's expectations. Lee Ann Womack's Call Me Crazy manages to meet and exceed any and all expectations ten-fold. This could well be the finest album of her decade-and-a-half long career.
Indeed from the opening bars of her current hit single, Last Call, it's apparent that three years to recharge and refocus did Ms. Womack a world of good. Her voice is exquisitely lush and pure, proving that like fine wine, some things... even those that need no improving... DO improve with time. She's truly never sounded better, or more inspired than she does on this album. Her phrasing is impeccable. Her rhythm panache shows a skill and playfulness. Without a doubt, this is a fun album to listen to! Never over-powering, or over-bearing. Not in your face, but subtle. It's as easy on the ears as Lee Ann is on the eyes. And in addition to never sounding better, she's never looked better; sporting a newly svelte figure that I'm sure would be the envy of women half her age. Compile a list of country music's most beautiful women, and Lee Ann Womack is a must-include near the top. In a bold move, the front cover pose teasingly reveals just her gorgeous gams... and nothing else! The back cover pose more than makes up for the omission of seeing her pretty face under the album title. It showcases what a true beauty this country songbird really is!
The songs are all first rate, including four of the twelve (New Again, Have You Seen That Girl, If These Walls Could Talk, and Everything But Quits), which were co-written by Womack herself, showcasing yet another of her many talents. She is an eloquent writer and masterful storyteller. On Everything But Quits, the LAW is joined by one of her.... and all of country music's.... heroes, the legendary George Strait. Strait is an ageless troubadour, to borrow the title of his latest single. His style, his charm, and his talent transcend time. He was great twenty-five years ago and is even better today. Lee Ann was fortunate to have him grace her album with his presence. Their voices blend beautifully, and the lush string section on this song is reminiscent of the 1960's pop/country sounds of Eddie Arnold and Ray Price.
But not to leave George alone in the vocal collaboration department (of which Everything But Quits should win top honors at the CMA's), Lee Ann Womack corralled yet another country hunk, Keith Urban, to sing back-up vocals with her on The Bees, a song that grabs your attention instantly with its sensuous thumping bass /drum beat. This song literally begs for a music video, and would surely be a hit on CMT and GAC.
Bottom line is this; if you've never experienced the magic of Lee Ann Womack's angelic voice, Call Me Crazy is a great place to start. A true artist in every sense of the word, Ms. Womack stays respectful to traditional country, while retaining a current and contemporary sound. Her talent is a rare commodity, and one worth celebrating and enjoying. Give this album a chance and pop it into your CD player. I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you hear! A+
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Latest of Lee Ann lyrics..., January 13, 2009
Lee Ann Womack's newly released CD "Call Me Crazy", has been well worth the wait. Her first song, "Last Call" which is out now as her first single, is only the beginning of what should be multiple chart toppers. The second song "Either Way", also should be released as a single, as I'm sure many listeners can relate. This CD is worth the cost for Lee Ann's fans and new comers alike.
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