Michael B. from BLAIRSVILLE, GA Reviewed on 11/5/2015...
This is probably one of my favorite CDs of all time. Gretchen Peters is a fantastic singer/songwriter and this is her critically acclaimed debut CD. Some songs were performed by others before this CD came out (Martina McBride's "When You Are Old") and some came out later (Faith Hill's "The Secret Of Life" and the Neville Brothers "Over Africa"). This CD is not to be missed!
CD Reviews
Best songwriting of the current day-
07/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has it all.. it is deeply introspective, from so many points of view, it reflects life in different lights that aren't thought of every day-the best song on this in my opinion is Circus Girl, this is one example of the amazing aura that Gretchen creates throughout this album. Everyone needs a copy!!"
Amazing debut CD, now with bonus song
06/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the new reissue of Gretchen Peters' debut album, "The Secret Of Life," with one bonus track. The tracks are: 1. Waiting for the light to turn green 2. Border Town 3. I Ain't Ever Satisfied 4. I Was Looking For You 5. On A Bus To St. Cloud 6. Over Africa 7. The Secret Of Life 8. A Room With A View 9. Circus Girl 10. When You Are Old 11. Independence Day. Several of these songs were later recorded by other artists and became hits...you will probably recognize Faith Hill's "Secret Of Life", Martina McBride's "Independence Day" and "When You Are Old", and Trisha Yearwood's "On A Bus To St. Cloud". Gretchen Peters has a sweet soprano voice that is clear and strong, and all the songs could fit equally in the pop, rock, folk, or country vein. If you like Sara Evans, Linda Rondstadt, or Martina McBride you should love this CD. There's a reason why copies of this cd were ...on ... when it was out of print...find out for yourself what you've been missing!"
TSOL is incredibly intelligent and hasnt a weak cut.
05/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Secret Of Life is one of the strongest releases I have heard in a long time. Gretchens ability to communicate an idea or emotion is amazing and her vocals are truly beautiful. If you like well written material sung by one who is well versed in evoking thought and feeling, this ones for you."
THE CD to own ! ! !
05/06/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has not left my CD player since the day I bought it (almost two years ago). It is by far the best CD I have ever purchased from the first track to the last. If you want thought provoking, inspiring music - look no further. Each listen invokes new ideas and emotions. No other singer/songwriter touches your soul like Gretchen Peters!"
A great songwriter proves she's also a great artist.
Calle | 06/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gretchen Peters has written many great songs and also many hits to some of Nashville's most famous artists, but, unfortunately, she's not very well known as an artist. She has a, not perfect, but characteristic and very beautiful voice. And the songs are very good. Also the weakest song, "I Ain't Ever Satisfied" (the only song on the album she didn't write or co-write), is good and a potential hit single. The rest of the songs are all as good as the best ones on many albums of the artists who have sung Gretchen's songs. One of the first of Gretchen's songs I heard was "On a Bus to St Cloud". Her own version is even better than Trisha Yearwood's. It's a very beautiful song, but not the best song on the album. All of the songs are high standard and there are no fillers.There is no doubt that Gretchen Peter's is one of the best songwriters in Nashville, maybe in the world, and she is also a very good singer. If you like music with good melodies and lyrics - Buy this album! I can almost promise you that you will love it and play it a lot. It's worth every penny. With better promotion, this album could easily be a best seller. It's better than most best sellers. It's probably one of the best albums, at least debuts, of the last decade."