Search - Jo Dee Messina :: Unmistakable Love

Unmistakably Jo Dee

Deb Bruner | Georgia | 04/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new CD is Unmistakably Jo Dee... Great idea of having 3 EPs released instead of one 10-12 song CD and then be at least 2 years before new music again arrives. Each song on the CD has the unique sound of Jo Dee. Jo Dee has put her heart and soul into the making of this CD and it would be an injustice for Curb Records not to support it's release by pushing a single to radio. All singles on the CD are radio worthy, but IMO Welcome to the Rest of My Life, Unmistakable, I'm Home and I Think About Us would be good choices... They have that Jo Dee sound.. Jo Dee is back and ready to take on the rest of her life."

Messina's Unmistaken Tribute to Love

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 04/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Unmistakable, I'm Home, Think About Us



Ironies abound when it comes to Jo Dee Messina's latest release "Unmistakable Love." First, after 5 years without a brand new disc, 2010 will see the first instalment of three EPs, of which this is the first. Second, considering Curb Records' insistence that a hit single precedes the release of an album, this disc has been released without even a vanguard single. Third, Messina's boss Mike Curb has goaded that this is by far the Messina's magnum opus but he has had a hands-off policy when it comes to promoting this disc. In fact, the fanfare had been so minimal that only committed fans know about the CD's existence. Fourth, though unfortunate, this may be the least successful effort in Messina's career. Nevertheless, it's also her most marketable collection of songs. In fact, every of these 7 new cuts could easy be released as standalone singles. Honestly, they are better than some of Messina's misfired singles of late, such as the horrid Gretchen Wilson-esque "Biker Chick" and the innocuous "I'm Done."



As the title "Unmistakable Love" suggests, this is a concept album revolving on the resplendent nature of love. Given the current climate in country music to rain down on love with sarcasm and cynicism, these 7 cuts are a breadth of fresh air for the hopelessly romantic. Sporting a new coat of zest, Messina charges out with verve on the album-opener "Hard Life." An ode to enjoy life under the covers with her paramour as a way of escape from the hard life outside, Messina makes falling in love bristles with so much optimism. "Always Have, Always Will" (not the old Janie Fricke hit but a new Messina co-write) is a propulsive love song that all the hallmarks of a hit: crisp guitar licks, smart and upbeat lyrics and an anthemic drum beat. "Think About Us," on the other hand, is a busy pop-country offering that finds Messina migrating to the Carrie Underwood territory--listen especially to how Messina tears into this song with lots of long note holding moments.



Of the ballads, the title cut "Unmistakable" is a gem. A gorgeous love ballad that could easily rival Messina's signature hit "Burn" has everything going right--a to-die-for melody, vivid romantic lyrics and Messina savours each syllable with nuance and meaning. Much simpler in its backing is "I'm Home," a track Messina co-wrote with Chris Farren, is a glowing tribute to the comfort of having a tender heart to come home to. As it's almost a trend for the ladies of country music from Reba to the aforementioned Carrie Underwood to sing about the praises of a strong woman, Messina does her contribution here with the sassy "Treat Me Like A Woman." Though the lyrics are predictable, it's the attitude and confidence that Messina dons that sells this otherwise average tune.



The EP closes with two live performances of Messina's hits. On this time round, they were recorded "live" crowd. But unlike the original versions both "Because You Love Me" and "Stand Beside Me" are done acoustically with just piano, guitar and some muted drums. Thus, it is a joyous treat to be able to hear the immediacy of Messina's heartfelt performances. Despite all the troubles Messina had with Curb Records, Mike Curb is irrefutably right in saying this disc is Messina's unmistakably best.

"

Her give a damn is no longer busted!!

J. Lutz | Falls Church, VA United States | 04/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jo Dee Messina is back. Although she never went anywhere, curb records was keeping her from us. I am glad they decided to release her cd after 4 years of delays. I love the new songs and can't wait for the next two albums!



The Live recordings are so much fun to listen to, there is so much emotion in her songs!



I hope all the songs that were performed from 2007 on will make their way on to the complete trilogy!!!!"