Shelby Lynne (2 album)

Shelby Lynne - I Am Shelby Lynne



The boldly named I Am Shelby Lynne may serve as an introduction to a gifted vocalist for most, but the one-time Nashville phenom has more than a decade of recording experience under her belt. Still, in many ways this is an introduction to a new talent. This time out, the Alabama-reared singer-songwriter refused to live up to anyone's expectations but her own, expertly melding soul, rock, pop, and country strains into an eye-opening set that demands to be addressed on its own terms.--Steven Stolder

1. Your Lies
2. Leavin'
3. Life Is Bad
4. Thought It Would Be Easier
5. Gotta Get Back
6. Why Can't You Be?
7. Lookin' Up
8. Dreamsome
9. Where I'm From
10. Black Light Blue

Shelby Lynne - Just A Little Lovin'



It's a risky move for any singer to attempt a direct ascent on the towering peaks of Dusty Springfield's evergreen legacy. (Rolling Stone once called Dusty in Memphis the third most "essential" rock album by a woman.) Just a Little Lovin' achieves the unlikely: a tribute to an immortal artist which both glorifies its subject and elevates the worshipper kneeling at her altar. Lynne's 2001 breakthrough, I Am Shelby Lynne, was both utterly fresh and nostalgically infused with a Memphis-like spirit. Much of Just a Little Lovin' is as familiar as an old pair of shoes. Lynne's original contribution, "Pretend," fits snugly between the classics, but it's the loose, practically improvised vibe of this recording that breathes new life into Bacharach and David's "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and, especially, Randy Newman's "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore." Genius producer Phil Ramone lends the entire collection the kind of intimacy he brought to Paul Simon and Billy Joel's most atmospheric 1970s recordings. Restrained instrumentation--often simply guitar, upright bass, a sprinkling of piano, and light percussion--turn even the teenage bubble-gum anthem "I Only Want to Be with You" into a sultry meditation. It's hard to imagine another recent album more successful in melding retro-reverence with contemporary moderation. The result arouses emotion even as it enchantingly relaxes. --Ben Heege

1. Just A Little Lovin'
2. Anyone Who Had A Heart
3. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
4. I Only Want To Be With You
5. The Look Of Love
6. Breakfast In Bed
7. Willie And Lauramae Jones
8. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
9. Pretend
10. How Can I Be Sure

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