Album: Farmer's Daughter
Released: 2010
Tracks: 12
Fresh from American Idol, breakout artist Crystal Bowersox shows the world what she's got in this debut album. "Ridin' With the Radio" is a lighthearted country track that encourages the listener "to just sing a song if you wanna sing it." "For What It's Worth", a cover of the classic Buffalo Springfield song, puts a modern twist and fresh country shake on the track, Bowersox's voice prevailing strong. "Farmer's Daughter" tells the story of a family abused by their father, and when finally grown up, a daughter that learns to let go of her hurtful past and look towards a bright future. The lyrics are engaging, and Bowersox proves her genius with a pen and paper. "Holy Toledo" weighs heavily on someone looking back on their life and wondering how they wasted so much time, and wandered away from God. Bowersox displays an amazing vocal range and portrays emotion very well during this track. "Lonely Won't Come Around" is a fast paced, beat driven track that hints more at pop than country. The lyrics are strong, but sometimes the vocals and the instrumentals seem a bit mismatched. "Hold On" is a bittersweet ballad that relives a girl's adolescence that was never really outgrown. Bowersox light vocals compliment the instrumentals perfectly; she's a storyteller with music. "On the Run" is a fun, jazzy track that demands to be danced to. "Kiss Ya" is a classic country tale of a young couple, accompanied by creative instrumentals. "Speak Now" has great bluesy instrumentals, and as always, Bowersox unique vocals. "Mine All Mine" tells of a girl who only wants the simple things in life from her special someone. An emotional and touching track, it will leave your player on repeat. "Mason" is about a devoted couple that wants to build a life together. Bringing in a male accompaniment, Bowersox perfectly harmonizes. "Arlene" has a good moral (the growth of someone realizing that they need to take the reigns and steer their life in the right direction), but it's not the best track to close with. Though there is no questioning Bowersox's talent, there is something missing from the song.
Overall, Bowersox put together a great debut album, and I look forward to seeing what else she releases in her coming years. She brings country back to the spotlight, including patches of blues, folk rock, and jazz into her musical quilt. One thing is for sure, she ain't no humble farmer's daughter anymore.
Check out the video for Farmer's Daughter, Crystal Bowersox's hit single:
