While her debut's been promoted through a glitzy high-fashion photo package and items in trendy magazines, South Carolina native Roberts, who has the looks for such hype, also delivers the goods. Her smoky, beguiling voice... more » echoes Bonnie Raitt and a young Tanya Tucker. She and producer/guitarist Brent Rowan shun the blaring arena rock or folk-flavored pretense that plagues many debuts. This one emphasizes solid, quality commercial fare in an Americana-based setting heavy on acoustic guitars and rhythm. Roberts sets the tone with Jamie O'Hara's fetchingly acerbic "You Ain't Down Home." The winsome "Unlove Me" and let-it-rip "Just 'Cause We Can" each pack a wallop; so does the witty morning-after chronicle "Wake Up Older" and the dark, evocative "No Way Out." No overdone power ballads here. Understatement drives her elegant, heartbreaking interpretation of Julie Miller's "I Can't Get Over You." In the end, Roberts remembers an axiom many on Music Row long ago forgot: a powerful voice, simple, honest storytelling, and no-frills music are still what country's about. --Rich Kienzle« less
While her debut's been promoted through a glitzy high-fashion photo package and items in trendy magazines, South Carolina native Roberts, who has the looks for such hype, also delivers the goods. Her smoky, beguiling voice echoes Bonnie Raitt and a young Tanya Tucker. She and producer/guitarist Brent Rowan shun the blaring arena rock or folk-flavored pretense that plagues many debuts. This one emphasizes solid, quality commercial fare in an Americana-based setting heavy on acoustic guitars and rhythm. Roberts sets the tone with Jamie O'Hara's fetchingly acerbic "You Ain't Down Home." The winsome "Unlove Me" and let-it-rip "Just 'Cause We Can" each pack a wallop; so does the witty morning-after chronicle "Wake Up Older" and the dark, evocative "No Way Out." No overdone power ballads here. Understatement drives her elegant, heartbreaking interpretation of Julie Miller's "I Can't Get Over You." In the end, Roberts remembers an axiom many on Music Row long ago forgot: a powerful voice, simple, honest storytelling, and no-frills music are still what country's about. --Rich Kienzle
"I can admit that I've never been a huge fan of country music except for Johnny Cash. But Julie Roberts has such a beautiful voice and has bluesy elements sprinkled in with her country twang, and it just made me fall in love with the album. When I first heard "Break Down Here" I went out and bought the album but surprisingly enough that's the only one I tend to skip over now. My two favorites are "Wake Up Older" which show her sassy and humorous side, and personally I think "If You Had Called Yesterday" is the best song on the cd because she shows so much raw emotion and it's a topic a lot of us can relate with."
Nashville has found its "Pot of Gold"
Lori J. Leiphart | Wrightsville, pa United States | 05/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally Nashville has found its "Pot of Gold" and its leaving everyone with a smile on their face. Julie Roberts is just what country radio needed. She has a refreshing sound that country has been missing. Her soulfull voice draws you in and the emotional interest its obvious she has in her music will keep you hooked. I just got the CD and sat down to listen to it and it was such a great experience. Julie Roberts takes you on a journey with her songs. You'll smile, laugh, and even shed some tears. I garuntee there will be atleast one song that you can relate to. Its like she speaking to your heart. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. What are you waiting for? Get this CD and enjoy the journey she'll take you on with her songs."
Outstanding
W. Dunn | Philadelphia | 04/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never liked female country artists- all the wailing and make up in the videos made it look like they all wanted to be divas or something. However, Julie Roberts was different, this was the first CD of a female I have ever owned and I do not regret it. Her voice is so country, and I love how she is a modern tradionalist like Brad Paisley and Josh Turner. It sounds like she puts her heart and soul into every song. Definitley worth buying guys, dont be afraid. Real country music, nothing like Shania or Faith. Buy this, Turner's, and Paisley's albums- some of the best young, traditional, country artists in the biz."
What country should be!
Amy A. Schuver | 06/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Instead of going for the overly polished pop country, Julie Roberts has made a CD worthy of buying. Her voice is just right - gorgeous but tough enough to really show that she has lived. This is what you expect from singers like Faith Hill - but that they never deliver. She's amazing and enjoyable. Highly recommended, especially "Wake Up Older" and "The Chance." A perfect debut."
AMAZING!
Lori J. Leiphart | 06/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Julie Roberts has had an AMAZING year, to say the least. This hole cd is filled with amazing heart warming songs, that you can listen to over and over again! Everyone of these songs are GREAT! Julie Roberts Debut cd has went GOLD and that is well deserving, it should even go PLATNIUM, this girl has an amazing voice and will be around for a long time and she will be getting better with every album. Make sure to ad this to your collection today!"