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I'm 22, and have never heard of Loretta Lynn before this. I almost feel embarassed calling myself a fan of country music after I found out just how big she was back in those days. Just when the country music scene is heavily populated by artists like faith hill, shania twain and tim mcgraw (I do admit they ARE good) - the comeback of Loretta Lynn is so new, fresh and unique that it feels like the debut of a new artist.
Two things attracted me to this CD. First, a nomination for Best Country Album at the 2005 Grammy Awards and 2 contributions to Best Country Song. Second, the temptation to buy a CD produced by Jack White so much more when the artist concerned is a 70-ish past country big-timer.
Jack White first: After Elephant (White Stripes), I BELIEVED in Jack White. He had the sight for good music, albeit 'weird'. Then, there was a bit of an appetizer on White's talents in country music on the soundtrack to Cold Mountain. But on Van Lear Rose, you shouldn't expect the songs to be as 'folk-sy' and 'mountain-eesh' (if those are proper words) as in Cold Mountain. Jack White has unleashed killer beats and guitar riffs I never imagined could be found on a country CD - let alone on the CD of a 70-year old lady.
On Loretta Lynn - the least that you should pay attention to is, after having said it so many times myself, her age. Her voice boasts strength, clarity and control. Mind you, she SINGS. It is hard to find singers who truly sing nowadays, but Loretta Lynn does it, and boy does she do it well. I was pleasantly surprised by her voice.
Above the voice, is of course, the music. She wrote all 13 tracks on her own - man, her creativity is astounding. I can't name my favourite tracks here, because you don't skip a single song on this CD. 3 songs, in particular, truly packed a punch: "Portland Oregon", "Mrs Leroy Brown" and "Have Mercy". Jack seems to be pushing these songs towards the rock boundaries, but Loretta does a mighty fine job pulling them back to country roots.
Alongside the interesting louder tunes is "Miss Being Mrs", a song Loretta wrote about being a widow. The accompaniment to this song is accoustic guitar and it is so darn good. Other tracks to note are Van Lear Rose, and Story of My Life. Another 'fun' song, but just as good is "Little Red Shoes" where Loretta tells a little story to some background music.
It is this absolutely fantastic team of modern-day rock star and country-western honky-tonk queen that does the job. Both Loretta and Jack have produced a gem of an album. The sound here is slightly atmospheric, perhaps due to the analog production insisted by Jack White.
Van Lear Rose is first class. Sure to nail the Best Country Album award.
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Pmac
Jack and Lynn went a hill and made a great record together
Reviewed in Canada on November 6, 2017
