Deana Carter Did I Shave My Legs for This Genres:Country, Folk, Pop On her Capitol debut, the winsome Carter comes across as pop country's answer to Shawn Colvin. Her voice has an unaffected innocence, almost at times reminiscent of Dolly Parton, and her songwriting, gimmicky title track a... more »side, shows some flair for unexpected insights, especially on the genuinely touching "Before We Ever Heard Goodbye." The carefree "We Danced Anyway" is brightened by Byrds-like guitar licks, and the two-step "If This Is Love" is the record's most country moment. Not everything is so convincing on this hugely popular collection, though those who favor the new country sound and an earnest folksy attitude will find much here to enjoy. --Roy Francis Kasten« less
On her Capitol debut, the winsome Carter comes across as pop country's answer to Shawn Colvin. Her voice has an unaffected innocence, almost at times reminiscent of Dolly Parton, and her songwriting, gimmicky title track aside, shows some flair for unexpected insights, especially on the genuinely touching "Before We Ever Heard Goodbye." The carefree "We Danced Anyway" is brightened by Byrds-like guitar licks, and the two-step "If This Is Love" is the record's most country moment. Not everything is so convincing on this hugely popular collection, though those who favor the new country sound and an earnest folksy attitude will find much here to enjoy. --Roy Francis Kasten
"You Can Hear It In Her Hit Single "Strawberry Wine" And It Only Intensifies As You Listen To The Rest Of The Songs On "Did I Shave My Legs For This?"...Deana Carter Has The Wisdom Of A Grown Woman Balanced By The Youthful Innocence Of A Still Young Girl...She Is Able To Convey All Those Complicated Emotions About Love And Loss With A Graceful Phrase Or A Vulnerable Catch In Her Voice...Her "Music Should Be A Roller Coaster Ride" Attitude Shows From Start To Finish In This Beautiful Trip Down Deana's Deepest Words...On This Debut Album, Deana Sings With Humor ("Did I Shave My Legs For This?"), Wistfullness ("Before We Ever Heard Goodbye"), And Exuberance ("We Danced Anyway")...She Seems To Always Sound Like Your Best Friend Sharing A Personal Story...Deana's High Standards And Perseverance Have Definitely Paid Off, For This Is An Item That Should Be In Everyone's Collection, Country Fan Or Not!"
Just Wonderful
J. M. Zuurbier | 01/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really love this CD, although I'm no country fan. I think Deana has a beautiful voice and genuine talent. Highly recommended: We Danced Anyway, Strawberry Wine, The Other Side. By the way if you buy this CD and like it, I would suggest you buy the Anastasia soundtrack for the Deana Carter song Once Upon A December. This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard in my life, and it was a shame that it was not on this album."
Deana's voice is simply captivating! I love this album!
Willa Shaffer | Reston, VA USA | 03/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the first of several Deana Carter CDs I bought, after being enchanted by her voice and the song "Strawberry Wine." This debut album remains my favorite of Deana's music, though I could listen to her voice anywhere, anytime! I'm not even particularly a country music fan, but Deana cannot be easily categorized, her captivating, sweet southern accent notwithstanding. I never tire of listening to this CD, and Deana charms me every single time. Whenever I'm in a bad mood, all I need do is remember to put on this CD and am instantly transformed! Though I love every track on this album (the title track cracks me up!), among the best of the best are "If This is Love" which just tickles me to pieces each time I hear it--it's a lighthearted, joyful song of being wildly in love, and I get swept up in its exuberance every time. "We Danced Anyway" is a sweet, romantic song that I can't imagine anyone being able to resist. Naturally, "Strawberry Wine" will always be a favorite--who doesn't relate to the bittersweet memory of first love, or being transported back to a time of full-hearted innocence. I agree with most of the comments of an earlier reviewer, including the track "Before We Ever Heard Goodbye" which is, indeed, a wistful and lovely lyric about a time before one's first heartbreak. Deana lifts my spirit and tugs at my heart with her sweet, wholly unique voice, which I feel is showcased in its purest form in this debut album. I must add that any true fan of Deana's must also own her "Father Christmas" album. I'll post a separate review of that one, but from the moment I started listening to it, it became my favorite holiday album. She sings "unplugged" style, with her father on acoustic guitar as her only accompaniment, and it is simply superb. Either of these musical and emotional experiences will touch your spirit and leave you feeling younger, refreshed, and more optimistic. I have a vast collection of CDs of nearly every genre, and I love music. Deana Carter is something truly special. Do yourself a favor and add this enchanting CD to your own collection.
"
Amazing
Zach McGregor | Frisco, Colorado USA | 01/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is deffently one of the Best CD's I own. I can listen to it anytime. This CD will get you feeling good if your down and out. The songs are great and her voice is wonderful. If you're looking for somthing that is really easy to listen to this is for you. Rahhhh!!"
Best Country Album of 1996
J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 07/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The debut from Deana Carter showcases a woman who has brought some new things to country music, she has a beautiful innocent voice at times, and clever songwriting abilities. "Strawberry Wine" which was intended for Trisha Yearwood to sing, Deana grabbed at the chance. Her debut song and it's pretty much a career song for her, and will forever be remembered. "We Danced Anyway" is a fun, bubbly love song that was another huge hit for Deana. "Before We Ever Heard Goodbye" is a highlight on the album, it tells a story and deals with various aspects of a relationship. All the songs on this album deal with a common theme, they are all stories and comforting for the listener. The songs have a "real" feeling to them, like you feel as though you are a good friend of Deana's listening to her, or that you're looking at a piece of her soul. "I've Loved Enough To Know", "How Do I Get There" and "To The Other Side" are fun songs about being in love, and she shows the lighter sides to things like breaking up and falling in love. Its refreshing to hear such talent, no wonder she has done so well. This was the best country album from 1996, a must have for any country fan."