Rebecca Lynn Howard's bio describes the 20-year-old Kentuckian as working at her career since age 10. That may seem like hype in a time when karaoke singers land Nashville record deals, but there's some substance here. Reb... more »a, Lila McCann, John Michael Montgomery, and Howard's fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless have already covered her original songs, and her voice possesses the searing, primal soulfulness of Loveless or even a Dolly Parton. She fully reveals her gifts on the sweetly vulnerable "You're Not a Memory Yet" and two snappy, spare honky-tonkers: "Melancholy Blue" (penned by Tom Douglas and Harlan Howard) and "Was It As Hard to Be Together." Of course, producer Mark Wright goes and shoehorns her into predictable, radio-friendly, assembly-line Nashville formulas much of the time, epitomized by the gimmicky "Heartsounds" and "Believe It or Not," a numbingly dull, Whitney Houston/Celine Dion-inspired power ballad. Howard has real potential, if she could avoid conforming to Music Row's same old same old. --Rich Kienzle« less
Rebecca Lynn Howard's bio describes the 20-year-old Kentuckian as working at her career since age 10. That may seem like hype in a time when karaoke singers land Nashville record deals, but there's some substance here. Reba, Lila McCann, John Michael Montgomery, and Howard's fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless have already covered her original songs, and her voice possesses the searing, primal soulfulness of Loveless or even a Dolly Parton. She fully reveals her gifts on the sweetly vulnerable "You're Not a Memory Yet" and two snappy, spare honky-tonkers: "Melancholy Blue" (penned by Tom Douglas and Harlan Howard) and "Was It As Hard to Be Together." Of course, producer Mark Wright goes and shoehorns her into predictable, radio-friendly, assembly-line Nashville formulas much of the time, epitomized by the gimmicky "Heartsounds" and "Believe It or Not," a numbingly dull, Whitney Houston/Celine Dion-inspired power ballad. Howard has real potential, if she could avoid conforming to Music Row's same old same old. --Rich Kienzle
"She's definately got talent and I have a strong suspicion she is one of those performers who is far better in person than on CD. Some of the songs would be splendid if they only employed half as many instruments; I find her voice to be completely drowned out at times. Half of the songs are original and quite good, the rest are bland radio fodder. While I consider this CD to be a "keeper," I'm hoping that as she matures in age, experience, and musical direction that she will choose a simpler, narrative style that highlights her lovely voice and upholds the story telling tradition of great country music."
Hook, Line & Sinker
Cntrygal | Pennsylvanua | 06/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One word: PHENOMINAL! This girl can sing. At my first listen I wasn't quite hooked but thats because I only listened to the interesting sounding songs. Then I listened to it all this CD is my life wrapped up into 12 songs! Her vocals in I Don't Paint Myself Into Corners blew me AWAY. Her sassiness, her charm, her songwriting just hooked me in. Tennesee In My Windshield is my song word for word! And Jesus, Daddy & You is a song for every daddy's little girl out there! She's a wonderful artist and she truly lives up to MCA's label and its reputation of "keeping it country" she's in good company with Chely,Lee Ann & Trisha! She's gonig places y'all just watch her fly!"
So much to say.....
Scott Milford | Branson, MO | 07/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kudos to Rebecca Lynn Howard. This has to be one of the best debut albums I have ever heard. I first saw her perform at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville in the summer of 1999. She sang "I Don't Paint Myself into Corners" and it blew me away even more than the recorded version did. She can flat out sing, write and perform. I have never seen/heard a performer who got into the music the way she does. Just by singing the single word "grave" in "Meloncholy Blue", you can fully sense the pain the person in the story feels as a result of having to face the fact that their loved one has died. So powerful! I cannot wait for another CD by Rebecca Lynn Howard. This CD definitely left me wanting more."
A true country songstress!
Charles Mcdougald | O-town, FL | 06/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"With all these new younger country singers on the scene, thank God we have Rebecca Lynn Howard to show them all how it is really done. Now, sure, Rebecca is a little over 20, but she is still very young compared to the established Reba, Trisha, and Wynona. Rebecca's voice has strength and her song writing skills are great! These songs aren't all just about love either. Didn't think that was possible in country music anymore, did you? Well they are not. Her voice will take her further than her writing skills ever did, but not to say her writing skills are lacking. Many stars have done some her songs including fellow young country superstar Lila McCann. So, pick this one up if you like good country music, song with a certain twang!"
Greatest country legend
planedoc42 | 06/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For the last Seven 7 years: a legendary sensation made chart topping hits as she topped the billboard hits.
Rebecca Lynn Howard with her smash chart topping singles for the last 7 years. One of these chart topping songs titled: "A Pink Flamingo kind of Love" and all her other chart topping hits will not only transform the GAC Network but will make GAC Nights a overnight sensation of all time.
Rebecca Lynn Howard is referred to as the next and greatest country music legend of all time. The girl from Kentucky that is the best that anyone can be..............."