Rating:
Genre:
Country
Release Date: 11/25/2008
Run Time: 47:35
Evolution is an appropriate title; it's clear that
Martina McBride has grown -- evolved -- between
Wild Angels and this terrific follow-up. That's not to say
Wild Angels wasn't wonderful in its own right -- its blend of rootsy
country and contemporary production was clever, and her singing and songs were spot-on -- but
Evolution is different and special in its own way. It is true that it's smoother than its predecessor, especially with polished duets like
"Valentine" (with
Jim Brickman) and
"Still Holding On" (
Clint Black). What makes
Evolution work is the purity and power of
McBride's voice -- she is one of the few
contemporary country singers who can pull off this kind of
country-pop. And that's not all she can do, as the rocking
"Keeping My Distance" or the
gospel-inflected
"A Broken Wing" prove. Furthermore,
McBride's songs remain staunchly independent and strong-willed, with clear feminist overtones, which helps make
Evolution a rarity among
contemporary country albums -- it's catchy and it has a heart.
~Thom Owens, All Music Guide
;)
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