Greatness, not goodness
J. D. from Texas | 12/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The best traditional country music cd of the past ten years.
"Before I Go That Far" is the single best "country" ballad by a female artist since Reba's "Somebody Should Leave", and would be a guaranteed number one hit had it been recorded by an established artist like Leann Womack. "Here's to You" is very nearly as good, and I can't imagine anyone else singing it better than Elizabeth does. The gorgeous title track is so reminiscent of Dolly Parton, I can see why so many reviewers are making the comparison. "Kiss Me Again" is a song I'm sure Reba would like to have recorded, given she hasn't had a great single in more than a decade. The remaining tracks are all worth listening to, but the the above-mentioned 4 tracks which appear consecutively on the album are as good a power play as you are ever likely to hear in modern country music. As you can probably tell, I'm hooked.
It's so great to hear a pure country voice that hasn't been corrupted by the Nashville music mill. Hopefully, even better things are yet to come with the impending release of her Rodney Crowell-produced next album. If you're a fan of Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, early Reba, or even Patty Loveless, this album is essential. My only regret is that I just recently discovered this amazingly talented singer/songwriter. Only a chance viewing of one of her videos on CMT's Edge of Country exposed me to this relatively unknown artist. Isn't it ironic? The "Edge of Country". And all this time I thought this kind of music was the real thing. I guess Faith and Tim and all the rest really do rule over country music. Sad, sad, sad."
Amazing new talent
napershopper | Naperville, IL | 01/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"We caught Elizabeth Cook at the Ryman a few months ago and immediately picked up some of her CDs. I have to agree with some of the other reviews that she sounds like a mix of Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Loretta Lynn was the first thought that cross my mind when we saw her live and as I listened to the CDs, I could also hear indications of Dolly. My 5 yr old agrees. The first time we listened to This Side of the Moon, he asked if it was Loretta Lynn."