On this first release, Kellie Pickler displays the same quirky sense of humor and small-town innocence that won her a special place in many viewers' hearts as well as a vote of confidence from Simon Cowell, the tough to please and quick to critical judge.
Small Town Girl isn't an accidental title for this debut album from Pickler. A native of Albemarle, North Carolina, she was one of only about 15,000 residents. In 2005, having won Miss Stanly County and competed for Miss North Carolina, she went to Greensboro to audition for American Idol. The rest, as they say, is history.
The first single, "Red High Heels", which is also the opening track, is an okay song of country-female empowerment - a sort of "wash that man out of my hair" type of tune. It has Shania style, and her delivery (not only on this track, but the entire CD) reminds me a lot of Jo-Dee Messina. There's just something about the quality of her voice that calls the other woman to mind.
Pickler seems very much at home in the genre, which suits her style. She is able to spread her country wings, something I believe she held back for the American Idol audiences, catering to the judges who ask contestants to accommodate the pop music listener. That quirky personality shines through on "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind," a humorous comparison of the sexes, which is very reminiscent of Mindy McCready's "Guy's Do It All the Time."
Are you starting to see a pattern here?
Much of Pickler's debut album is reminiscent, in the style of, or similar to something that's already out there. They're all original songs, but not one stands out as unique, though some are closer to hitting a special mark than others. Small Town Girl not bad – It's far from it. All of the songs have catchy hook-filled choruses or lyrics, and she delivers them with the same wholesome purity that garnered her a solid fan-base on last season's Idol.
Article comments
1 - Kathy Scovill
"Red High Heels" has gotten lots of air play around these parts (Mpls/St Paul). I'm also curious to see how Kellie's TV/Sitcom venture turns out. Oh yes, and she seemed to be havin' a lot of fun on the red carpet at the CMA's!
2 - Connie Phillips
Thanks for the comment, Kathy. I did see something about an upcoming sit-com on the net. Not sure how I feel about that.
She does seem to be able to have a good time, that comes through on this CD, and it seems when the songs mean something to her - she really can shine as a singer as well.
3 - john
Red High Heels is a great song..It is gettin some solid airplay..All in all,Her CD is one of the good album idol has every made..Way to go kellie
4 - Karen
I'm very proud of Kellie..that little girl has been through so much in her 20 years..but she didn't let anything hold her back..Just look at her..she made her dreams come true..she wanted it..she saw her chance and she took it. She's an inspiration to all of us. Kellie you go girl..looking forward to all your future CD's..can't wait!
5 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, John and Karen, for your comments. What Kellie has put out is a solid female country album, and as she continues to grow as an artist, I think she will shine even brighter.