Not too many teenagers have to worry about starting over or transitioning from one career to the next but after being thrust into the spotlight due to her undeniable talent for dance and astronomical success on DWTS, she realized she wanted to follow through on the promise she’d made at the age of eight, when she “set a goal… [to] be a country singer by… 19,” (First). And sure enough, that she did, first by getting her feet wet with the aptly-named charity single “Will You Dance With Me?” to benefit Kansas tornado victims for the American Red Cross which Hough told Mercury Nashville, peaked at #8 on [iTunes’] country charts despite never being released to radio.” And following up the success of that song with a self-titled debut album of eleven tracks which showcase the dancer’s surprising and awe-inspiring range as a singer in her own right, Julianne Hough has been climbing the country charts ever since the album’s bright, up-tempo and irresistibly catchy first track, “That Song In My Head,” was released as the first single and video (which you can see below).
While beginning an album with such an infectious toe-tapper that’s more rocking country than twangy country (following in the footsteps of what Mercury states are Hough’s biggest influences-- Shania Twain and McEntire), would ordinarily be risky in overpowering the rest of the songs, her second track has far more sing-along repeat potential. In “You, You, You,” which benefits from intense rhymes about the crazily careless power of young love, the melody and Hough’s voice are punctuated with drums that drive the lyrics home. And given its addictive hook which gets you mouthing along after only the first chorus, you know it will be the track that will get as much—if not more—play than Hough’s opener. Although she shows a sensual and playfully sexy side that initially seems a bit strange given her strong religious background in “Hide Your Matches,” it’s a revealing song that
highlights her voice without the aid of an overwhelming pop sounding band like the first two ditties. This time Hough melts easily into the character of a woman so ignited by her lover that she warns she “could catch just like a candle,” “glow just like an amber” or “spark like thin paper.”
Article comments
1 - amy
Wow, I must say, your article was very nicely put. I really enjoyed her duet song with Derek and the very catchy, "You, you, you."
She is a great role model for younger kids and a trully talented young artist.
I too am not a big fan of country music although I have loved Shania Twains every song but Julianne's cd is definitely a great cd to start off with. Her songs are very unique, different than the rest. Also the lyrics are amazing.
I enjoyed reading your article very much!
2 - Jen
Hi Amy,
Thanks first of all for reading and secondly for the incredibly kind compliment. It's always so rewarding to get "positive" feedback and so cool that you had a similar take on the album as well. I know, those lyrics are truly amazing, indeed-- totally agree.
I'm reviewing another disc sometime this week by a young woman named Amy MacDonald whose work I think you'll enjoy as well (I'll try to dig up some videos to include as samples in the piece). She's a Scottish singer instead of country but equally young and with great song selections. Hope you'll stay tuned for that! Again, thanks for taking the time to drop a message.
3 - Jordan Richardson
I'm reviewing another disc sometime this week by a young woman named Amy MacDonald whose work I think you'll enjoy as well
Heyyy, me too! Should be interesting to see how our views vary and how they don't. Looking forward to it!
4 - Jen
Too funny-- it was sent to me along with a few others! :)