Search - Claudia Church :: Claudia Church

Sadly overlooked and underplayed pop country LP

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 06/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While Church isn't exactly breaking new ground with this debut, she does show how country and pop can be married without losing the benfits of either. Unlike the soundalike hacks that dominate Nashville, Church and producer/husband Rodney Crowell have fashioned an LP that retains the heart and soul of country music while finishing it with the chiming guitars of 60s pop.The backgrounds inventively mix steel and fiddle with 12-strings and pop harmonies, while the lyrics reach from the Cyndi Lauper-esque "What's the Matter With You Baby," to the beautifully rendered memories of "Home in My Heart (North Carolina)," and "The Streets of Nashville.""Just As Long As You Love Me" brings to mind Bobby Fuller's galloping hits like "I Fought the Law," and her steel-laden cover of Carole King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" may not have the gut-wrenching emotion of the Shirelle's original hit, but it's still a sweet take.Church is a fine vocalist, sure-footed and strong, and has thoughtfully picked and written material that suits her. It doesn't add up to a watershed LP, but it does demonstrate some fruitful new paths that pop-country could wander. If only Nashville were listening, that is."

Wonderful Voice, Great Songs

hyperbolium | 07/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard "What's the Matter With You, Baby" on an airplane, and since the program guide on the plane was incorrect, I didn't know who was singing. When I got home, I spent over an hour on the web trying to find out, and I'm glad I did! Claudia Church's voice is clear and beautiful, and the songs are fabulous - you can listen to this album over and over. There are bouncy songs, along with slower ones, like "Home in My Heart (North Carolina)." I especially like the songwriting team of Annie Roboff and Beth Nielsen Chapman who wrote "What's the Matter with You, Baby" (they also wrote, with Robin Lerner, Faith Hill's "This Kiss" and "There Goes My Baby" sung by Trisha Yearwood)."

Claudia Church Gets The Pews Rockin' and Inspired

curling-guy | calgary, alberta, canada | 05/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Its not to often I take a chance on an apparent unknown singer. I saw Claudia's video of, "What's The Matter With You Baby" on CMT. My first reaction was where has this singer been hanging out the the last few years? It was great and catchy. I went down to a local Music store and her album cover caught my eye. It looked like the store owner was featuring this new artist. Being a little cynical from being burnt in the past,I didn't immediately get the CD, thinking what if the song I like is the only good song on the album. After a second trip to the music store looking for something else, there it was sitting again in front of the country music section. So I took a chance on this Church woman.I couldn't stop playing it. Every song, and I mean every song was outstanding and seemed to be right from her guts.It became my favourite CD for 1999. Unbelieavable voice, great variety of style, from traditional country to the new country sound. It seemed like the song selection was very carefully chosen. There was a fun sound to them yet a healthy upbeat kind of message came through loud and clear. A new singer who comes across with a lot of substance and conviction. I have lost track of how many of my friends who have gone out to purchase Claudia's album. Of all the albums I've recommened to friends over the years, more have gone out and purchased this one than any other. I've never reviwed a CD before, but felt this one was more than worthy of a few comments from someone who has been converted over by the Church. If "Church's" played music like Claudia Church's they'd be full. I would join her congregation any time. Other than her two hits ("What's The Matter With You Baby" and "Home In My Heart"), three others that stand out as hit-worthy songs are, the traditional country song, "On The Streets Of Nashville". "Lost in A Feeling" is a terrific song of someone who has fallen in love and is ready to risk the next step of commitment and beyond, it so expressed the time in my life where I fell head over heals with my wife of 17 years.The third would be "Small Town Girl", which talked about passionately following your dreams and not giving up. If one could replace the personal story of desiring to be a model and appearing on Vogue magazine with the aspirations to be a football player and having your mug on the cover of Sports Illustrated, men could easily relate to its timeless message. In the highly competitve market of country music, I can only wish that Claudia Church returns very soon with her second album. If her next CD is close in quality to this first one, this lady will be around inspiring people through her music for a long long time. A fun CD, inspirational, upbeat, good solid achievable values we all need to be reminded of, an album that can make a difference. Claudia Church has debuted with an album of true inspiration like few others have done in the 90's in any style of music. This Church will be around for a long long time."