I Got Your Country Right Here

iTunes Review

Gretchen Wilson's roots (and concerts) are harder rocking than the albums she’s released. She parted ways with her record label over her musical direction and is now in complete control of her career as she releases her music on her own label. The title track and “Work Hard, Play Harder” immediately establish her tough side with plenty of pent-up aggression pushing the tunes to the extreme. “The Earrings Song” two-steps like a classic country jaunt with harmonies and fiddle. “Trucker Man” rocks with electric slide guitars and more tough-talking beats. “Blue Collar Done Turned Red” steps up her political profile with the album’s hardest rock. “Outlaws and Renegades” targets radio and the music industry. “Walk On Water” features hard-rock power chords. Wilson can pump up the tempos, but her way with a ballad is perhaps best of all. “I’m Only Human” is classic country with thick waves of pedal steel guitar backing up a voice that is clearly its own and every bit as heartbreaking and convincing as Loretta Lynn. “Love On the Line” approximates the power ballad. “I’d Love to Be Your Last” aches with a simple acoustic beauty.