Search - Jo Dee Messina :: Jo Dee Messina

Are we talking about the same album?

atreyu | SF Bay Area | 02/19/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I love plenty of Contemporary Country music... everything from "New Bluegrass" (Alison Krauss & Union Station) to "New Country" like Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Martina... even a lot of Faith & Shania.



But I think this CD is crap.



The single star is for the only good song on the album, "Heads Carolina, Tails California" -- but really, 1 star for one good song out of ten is a bit too generous. I'm astounded at how bad the other 9 songs are... elementary-school rhyming, uninspired melody lines, stupid lyrics, below-average accompaniment, etc.



One of the most annoying things to me is her habit of overpronnouncing every word in a song... I'd guess someone told her at some point that she slurs her words, and she was trying to overcompensate. The result should be titled "Hooked on Phonics, starring JoDee Messina." Listen to the preview of "On a Wing and a Prayer" for a good example of what I'm talking about.



I thank my lucky stars I borrowed this cotton candy from the library, rather than shelling out $16 for one song. Do yourself a favor and buy "Heads Carolina, Tails California" online if you must have it."

Great contemporary country debut album

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 04/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jo Dee grew up listening to country music, her favorites including the Judds, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr (she's clearly got impeccable taste). As a teenager, Jo Dee sang in bars at weekends supported by her brother on drums and her sister on bass guitar. Legend has it that she eventually secured a recording contract partly because of her red hair, but she is also a fine singer of contemporary country music who has a knack for selecting (or writing) great songs and that, ultimately, is what matters.



Many of the songs are up-tempo although Jo can sing slower songs too, when she chooses to. Heads Carolina tails California is an up-tempo song about somebody looking for adventure. In contrast is the outstanding ballad, He'd never seen Julie cry.



Jo Dee co-wrote Wing and a prayer (about the end of a relationship) but otherwise left the songwriting to others, apparently listening to over a thousand songs in deciding what to include on the album.



The closing track, Another shoulder at the wheel, is a cover of a song previously recorded by the Forester sisters - not that many people would notice, since the album on which the original version appeared (I got a date) was not a huge seller.



Although only two of the tracks (You're not in Kansas anymore, Heads Carolina tails California) made it on to her greatest hits collection, there are many great songs here. Overall, this album is not has strong as the follow-up (I'm alright) but it is a very impressive debut. By all means, begin your Jo Dee collection with I'm alright - or Greatest hits - but don't overlook this one."

Welcome Jo Dee

Gen X Music Addict | Minnesota | 07/18/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was a good debut album from Jo Dee, introducing the music scene to her energetic brand of country with a bit of a rock edge. It's kind of interesting that she hails from Boston - not usually regarded as a country music stronghold. She chose to do this kind of music and does it well. The songs keep the listener's attention and stay in the head. It's good stuff. Here are some noteworthy tunes:



Not in Kansas Anymore



You Wanna Make Something of It - very energetic, Jo Dee delivers it with great attitude



Let it Go - genuinely moving song about how a couple needs to get past some hurt from the past if they're to move on



Head Carolina, Tails California"