The Fresh Up Club

Album Review

This album is just a touch of country, a touch of pop, and a teaspoon of rock, bringing to mind early Linda Ronstadt on the opening "I Don't Wanna Stop." It's a safe yet toe-tapping beginning that also has a barroom band feel. When she opts for the slower country ballads à la Patsy Cline, such as "Love Minus One," it comes off a bit forced with mixed results. But later on during "I Don't Know Why," she lets the song run its course to a slower, slow-dance tempo. She fares much better on the stronger "Lyin," a track that has ample swing to it. Thankfully the slightly rowdy "Heaven Sent" is more pleasing with a fuller roadhouse country sound. Venturing into various country styles, Elizabeth McQueen is afraid to try new ideas out, especially with "You Shouldn't Have," which brings to mind a cross between Sheryl Crow and Mary Chapin Carpenter. But the jazz-tinged "The Oldest Story" doesn't work as well and is more like a lounge-lizard effort. A cover of Chuck Berry's "Thirty Days" is a rambling rockabilly tune that resembles Neko Case or Carolyn Mark. Possibly the sleeper on the album is the murky Southern soul and rock of "Drive Alright," making it the highlight of the record. However, the bouncy Attractions-era keyboard on "I Know I Cross His Mind" makes it another great tune. It's a strong album that definitely shows McQueen has promise.