"It took a while to import from Canada, but well worth the wait. I also have been a fan of the Wilkinsons and hope they continue to perform together, but Amanda on her own is awesome. This is one of my favorite CD's now. She has that raw country sound to her voice that is wonderful, the lyrics are strong and the depth of her voice is so enjoyable to listen too (I have played the CD straight through now 5 times in a row)."
A MUST ALL WILKINSONS FANS !!
Damien N. A. Read | WALES,UNITED KINGDOM | 09/25/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Having been a Fan of The Wilkinsons for many years, and living in the UK, I simply couldn't wait to hear Amanda Solo Debut Album. On the first play, I must admit it washed over me a little, however I can report that by the 3rd play, I really got into it. Sure the sound is very similar to The Wilkinsons,and the songs are well written, so well you will be singing along too soon.
I'd love to give 5 Stars, but i believe 4 is just right. Personally I love Amanda's voice,I would have liked her to take more of a risk,pehaps more pop like(No One Me And You),but she never sails far away from her country roots. Still it's a great little album,and I can't imagine anyone not disliking."
Amanda Wilkinson Presents a Beautiful Life on Her Debut CD
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 05/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Prime Cuts: Pontiac, Gone Too Long from Love, Something Else
With her animated stage presence and her engaging vocals, Amanda Wilkinson is the lodestar of the country trio the Wilkinsons. Though brother, Tyler, did share some of the lead vocals, it's the 24-year old Amanda who steals the show. Hence, it's only a matter of time Amanda would take a leave of absence to cut her own solo CD, of which this self-titled project is the result. Produced by Universal South Records honcho Tony Brown who has also helmed albums by Reba McEntire and George Strait, "Amanda Wilkinson" is a stunning effort in every sense of the word. Charmed with her signature vim, there's not a dud in this 10-song set.
Strutting with her new found independence, the sassy "Walk Away" finds a confident Wilkinson refusing to settle for a no good Casanova. Unscathed by her heartache, the Melba Montgomery co-penned "Something Else," with a melody that echoes the Wilkinsons' "It Was Only a Kiss," finds a rejuvenated love struck Wilkinson reveling in love's euphoria. Though "Life is a Beautiful Thing" tethers on the generic side as lyrics go, it's still a peppy wake-up call not to take life for granted, but to carpe diem.
Prepare for some killer moments when the tempo slows. Told with a confessional frankness, "Pontiacs," a plaintive ballad coming from a jilted lover, whose memory of her heartbrokenness is stirred with the mention of "Pontiacs, black vinyl seats and Crackerjacks," all of which were associated with her former paramour. When romance takes a dexterous disposition, Wilkinson continues to be just as scintillating evidenced on the romantic "Man to Me." Written by Wilkinson and her dad, "Man to Me," sounds like it has been lifted out of a page from a matured woman' diary as she details with great affection what her man means to her. Taking a step away from romance is the single "Too Far Gone from Love," a story song in the line of "26 Cents," which narrates the chronicles of a prodigal daughter told with a controlled urgency.
All in all there isn't a weak moment on this album. As far as debuts go, this one shows promise. Striking a right balance between percolating barn burners and heartfelt ballads dealing with a range of issues from love found, lost and fought for, "Amanda Wilkinson" is one of modern country's most listenable CDs. Unfortunately, due to the lack of promotion and the subsequent misfires of the initial singles, this CD has been shelved in the US, though it's readily available in Wilkinson's native Canada. To the chagrin of her fans, this is America's loss, but don't let this be your loss too. Do yourself a favor and enjoy life as Amanda Wilkinson sees it, for it is indeed beautiful!"
Classic
Tommy D. Strong | 10/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is Classic Wilkinson music! Some of the better songs include Walk Away, Pontiacs,(Look up Rebecca Lynn Howard)Gone from love to long, and of course No More me and You! Amanda has clearly shown that she is very artistic and is one of the best Canadian rising stars to date! She has publicity everywhere now, Rising Star awards, I only wish we could see her here in the US
1. Walk Away - Sometimes its okay to let a love go and you can still deal with it
2. It's Okay to Cry - One of her new Singles on CMT Canada ...To Bad I really would love to see it here in the States.
3. Pontiacs - Rebecca's song to... Amanda loves and then loses a mysterious man driving a pontaic
4. Something Else - Upbeat, Fun, Full of Charm..Need I say more?
5. Hearts Open Slowly - Giving into Love can be so Hard
6. Gone from Love to Long - Sisterly love and a mothers neverending love bring a hurt daughter home.
7. Life is a Beautiful Thing - Amanda has a good day...with Tips for you too!
8. No More Me and You- Her #1 Hit, still not the best song on the cd! Tempted to buy yet? You can live without the "man" but it may be hard to do.
9. A Man to Me - What is a man to Amanda? She tells you here
10. The Art of Letting Go - experiencing your first or most love person leaving."