Search - Lari White :: Best of

UNDERrated & UNDERappreciated

C. Wys | Illinois, USA | 02/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lari White is one of the most underrated country artists of the 90's and this set proves it. Though all of her "hits" had a country radio shelf life of two months or less, I can assure you this album is relatively timeless. I can see myself picking it up periodically and indulging in it for decades to come. I have to admit, however, I am drawn centrally to her most familiar tunes.



Songs like the two and half minute "Wild At Heart" rest HIGH on my favorite (most-catchy) melody-conscious tunes of the modern country recording age. I have no idea why country radio turned a cold shoulder to that catchy ditty, but then again they all too often do. "That's My Baby," built strong with addicting steel guitar, is by far the most catchy in this "best of" set - I tend to play it several times consecutively, changing the lyrics slightly as I belt it out along with Ms. White to fit my gender. This little gal packs a power-house voice into a tiny frame and shows us just how strong her vocal cords really can be with the power ballad, "Now I Know" - the one you would most likely recognize over any other [originally on her (one and only) GOLD selling commercial success, 1994's "Wishes"].



Other must-hear highlights include the instantly identifiable single, "That's How You Know (When You're In Love)" with the harmonically superb Hal Ketchum helping Lari out in the background; I'd nearly consider this one a duet. We also mustn't forget the likable track "Ready, Willing and Able" that was also crudely ditched by radio when it became the first release from the '96 disk, "Don't Fence Me In." I might even go as far to mention the, somewhat overly sappy composition "I've Been Waiting For Your Love," but could never include it in the same category as the previously mentioned tracks, though it's well composed in its own right.



Also included in the set is Lari's GRAMMY WINNING reincarnate of the classic "Amazing Grace," which is a novelty track that is sure to please those vocally conscious listeners. I fail to mention any other titles featured on this compilation as I feel they are, though important in Lari's musical legacy, not as solidly developed as her aforementioned works. This album is soggy around the edges, but JAM-PACKED in the middle with some mesmerizing poppy/country songs that will leave you WISHing she had spent a little more time in the studio in 1994 to create just a few more similarly addicting delights.



Grade: B"

Great Intro!

Mike Stephens | Mesquite, TX United States | 02/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though it's a couple of years old, this is a great intro to the material of Lari White. Yes, she is more than just an actress, the artist who gave Tom Hanks hope in "Cast Away". My favorite cuts: "Lay Around and Love on You" and "What a Woman Wants". Listen and enjoy!"

Buy It

Mike Stephens | 12/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although a bit dated, this is a great collection of songs. Lari has a wonderful voice, a passionate delivery, and this is a CD that you'll enjoy for years."