Country star Gretchen Wilson’s fourth studio album I Got Your Country Right Here was released on March 30, 2010, via her own label, Redneck Records. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Country Charts, as well as #34 on the Billboard 200 all-genre charts. It consists of eleven tracks, and she served as co-producer of the record, as well as songwriter, where she co-wrote two recordings including the lead-off single "Work Hard, Play Harder" and "Blue Collar Done Turn Red."
Throughout her career, Wilson was the recipient of many honors, including the 2005 Grammy award for "Best Female Country Vocal Performance," for her mega-hit "Redneck Woman."
Singles from the CD
The debut single "Word Hard, Play Harder" was sent to radio in mid-October of 2009. This up-tempo and sassy tune reached #18 on the Billboard Hot Country Charts.
The follow-up was the title track which showcases a rock edge to her voice, and she stays true to her roots by paying homage to her musical heroes in the genre such as Charlie Daniels, the Allman Brothers Band, Waylon Jennings, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Prime Cuts
Her latest CD is filled with many up-tempo songs such as "Walk on Water," "Blue Collar Done Turn Red," as well as the fun "Earrings Song." In the acoustic ballad "I’m Only Human," Wilson’s vocals are as soulful and heart-wrenching, and reminiscent to those of Patty Loveless and Miranda Lambert.
Her soaring vocal range is evident on "Love on the Line" and "As Far As You Know."
The highlight track is "Outlaws and Renegades," which was co-produced by John Rich, from the successful duo, Big and Rich. In it, she pays a tribute to the true legends of country music, whose names are revealed in the final verse. This would be a fitting choice as a future radio single.
It closes with a cover of a Clay Walker tune, the soothing ballad "I'd Love to Be Your Last," which garnered her yet another deserving Grammy nomination.
The Verdict
All in all, Wilson’s voice is as powerful and captivating as ever in her latest album. It is a substantial indication that this "Redneck Woman" has recorded, co-produced and co-written a solid collection of musical work that is destined to please her listeners and fans.
To learn more about Wilson and her music, check out her official website.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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