Shine

It doesn't seem that long since Martina McBride was one of the top country vocalists of her generation. Although she never achieved the super-success of, say, Shania, Faith or Reba, she more than held her own in this highly competitive market keeping her RCA record deal for over 17 years.I do wonder if 'Shine' will bring the aforementioned record deal to an end, though. Up to press, it's made a very brief appearance in the charts falling out of the Billboard 200 faster than any of her previous releases. Lead single, 'Ride' (as good as the album gets, BTW) peaked at #11 in the country charts and the second single, pleasant ballad 'I Just Call You Mine' is struggling at the lower end of the top 30 as I write.As an album it's actually stronger than 2007's 'Waking Up Laughing' and infinitely preferable to 2003's 'Martina'. It begins on a highnote with 'Wrong Baby Wrong', a punchy track beautifully rendered by Martina. 'Sunny Side Up' is fun and catchy too but the dreary 'I'm Trying' kills the flow of the album with it's tired themes and chorus-less tune.The girl can't help but seek out the message songs! Terminally dull 'Wild Rebel Rose' is this album's addition put there presumably so McBride can squeeze out a few (false) tears when she performs it on stage. 'You're Not Leaving Me' is one of those funky country jams and is nothing out of the ordinary, while closer 'Lies' takes the worse song accolade. It features a truly dreadful lyric that is just a selection of obvious and ridiculous untruths before the chorus relieves the tension by admitting that it's all 'Lies'! It's shocking.So, what's a girl to do when she's not a prolific writer and people half her age like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift (who've also got about half Martina's talent) are garnering all the airplay? Well, there's not a lot she can do except find stronger material and hope radio is kind to her. For now, 'Shine' isn't quite up to the mark and that is reflected in it's sales.Also, in these days of downloads (illegal or otherwise) where record companies are complaining that people aren't buying CDs anymore, is it any wonder when you get a CD like 'Shine'? No lyrics and one of those horrible fold-out sheets with little information that RCA have been inflicting on us for about 20 years. It's just not on, you have to give us a reason to actually purchase a CD!

While Martina Mcbride's studio records are always good for a handful of solid to great tracks, she rarely pulls off that trick of producing a thorougly engaging album start to finish the way, say, Trisha Yearwood does. That personal theory is challenged with the release of SHINE, which ranks as McBride's best effort since 1997's EVOLUTION. The obvious reason for the sudden sea change may be a switch in producers--McBride produced her last two records and before that worked primarily with Paul Worley. This go-round she's enlisted arguably Nashville's most ubiquitous producer in the person of Dann Huff, responsible for both great albums(pick any one of Keith Urban's discs) and absolute ear bleeders(any of Rascal Flatts' interchangeable catalog). With Huff aboard, McBride has adopted a fuller,even rockier, sound that hasn't been heard on her records since WILD ANGELS well over a decade ago. Granted, the vocal acrobats are still in evidence--she still hasn't completely perfected the measured vocal control that Yearwood excels at, as evidenced on the admittedly catchy power ballads "I Just Call You Mine" and "What Do I Have To Do"(both of which, unfortunately, could probably be found in any given Rascal Flatts outtake session). Another positive step forward is relinquishing the "message" songs that creep into every one of her albums with the subtlety of an M-16; the closest thing here, the haunting folk ballad "I'm Tryin", provides her most potent vocal in some time(which does find her utilizing uncharacteristic but welcome vocal restraint). Again, not every song here is a keeper, but at a very lean eleven tracks, it's start to finish one of her strongest efforts.

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As a long time Martina fan, I am absolutely loving this album more and more each time I listen to it. The songs on here are amazing but it is Martina's vocals that of course makes the song. But it isnt just her voice, it is the emotion she puts into her songs that makes you feel that same emotion. For example, on the song Lies, Martina's voice just gives you chills with the way she delivers this very powerful song. But then goes to Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong with a very cool and edgy sound. Then there is What Do I Have to Do- awesome period. Walk Away- there is just something great about this song-you have to hear it for yourself to see what I am saying.I'm Trying-that has to be the saddest song yet with an uplifting message. Wild Rebel Rose- be careful as you may tear up. I Just Call You Mine is a very sweet love song but not overly sweet. You're Not Leaving Me- GREAT SONG!!! Of course her hit single Ride, Sunny Side Up-just a fun and cool upbeat song!..I know as I said I am a long time Martina fan, but really I couldnt find a weak song in the list. I left out Dont Cost a Dime-just another great song on this amazing album. I highly recommend this album to new Martina fans!!!

Shine is Martina's 10th album to date and she just keeps on getting better and better!This album has a lot of electric guitars that really give it a great pop/rock sound.It includes the current hit Ride which Martina belts out perfectly.Other catchy uptempos include Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,Sunny Side Up and the edgy You're Not Leaving Me.Of course there's also some ballads like the beautiful I Just Call You Mine and Lies.She sounds amazing on these.It also wouldn't be a Martina McBride album if there wasn't an 'issue' song included.The haunting Wild Rebel Rose deals with abuse.One of the things that is fantastic about this album is how much Martina has experimented vocally.She's sounding better than ever!Walk Away and I'm Trying are just two examples of this.If you like her older albums like Evolution and Emotion,you're going to love Shine.Definitely one of Martina's strongest work yet.Highly recommended!

I heard Martina duet with Don Henley and I was instantly hooked what a beautiful singer.if you love country you will love this album.5 stars from Dave

Came on time Weibo packed no cracks on cover. Loved this CD would recommend to friends

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Martina Mcbride is one of the best singers out there and this album is one of her best!