A Most Welcomed "Heartbreaker"
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 01/06/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Prime Cuts: Another Town, Walking on the Moon, Wish You Were Here
DPTV Media has finessed a stealth bomber here: in a market of sound-a-like ear numbing pop country fluff, Duff's "Heartbreaker" proffers attention. Showcasing once again her mellifluous Suzy Bogguss' like vocals, executed over some keening sounding tunes in an often languid but thoughtful delivery, this CD's affability is undeniable. Across the Atlantic, Mary Duff has become a household name amongst UK country aficionados. After winning numerous music awards including "Best Female Vocalist" from the British Country Music Awards and "Best Female Solo Artist" from the Annual Irish World Awards, she has also been named "Meath Person of the Year," a much prized accolade from her home county. Thanks to DPTV Media, after all the approbation this Irish lassie has had received, US fans can finally share in the delectation.
Released in the year 2002, repackaged in 2004 for US release, "Heartbreaker" is a wonderful martini of an album. Starting off with the somewhat rowdy title track, "Heartbreaker" (not the Dionne Warwick hit) is a new song that paints the portrait of a philanderer on an arresting musical canvas. With a tilt towards the more bluegrassy roots of country, "Will You Walk with Me" is a charming gospel number backed by some delightful fiddling. However, the ballads are the cynosure, Mark Wills' top 5 hit "Wish You Were Here" is given a subcutaneous read. Telling the tale of heart break's lingering effect, "Wish You Were Here" finds Duff still reminiscing about her former paramour even while she was luxuriating in the Caribbean sun. The heart has never been succored with such infinitude as with this superior Bill Anderson, Skip Ewing and Dan Moore tune. No song has ever captured the euphoric astral of love as eloquently as Katy Moffatt's signature classic "Walking on the Moon." Duff's understated yet convivial delivery certainly captures the sentiments of this ballad. In the more nostalgic vein is "Another Town," a plaintive ballad that works as a double entendre. On the cursory level, "Another Town" details the weariness of a forlorn traveler. However on a much deeper level, this plaintive number is the heart's cry for the need to belong. Matthew, Wright and Kings' underrated but socially conscious "Someone's Child" is also of note and it's definitely worthy of being revived again.
However, there are a few cavils that have marred what is otherwise a magnum opus. First, the production is helmed by Daire Winston who is also responsible for the drum programming. Why a programmed drum is called for on a country CD is beyond me. But this is also where the problem lies: Winston just doesn't have the sensibility to produce a country album: there are just certain tracks which are overcrowded with some awful and dated keyboard sounds. On "Another Town," for example, a beautiful rustic piece is spoiled by some inappropriate saxophone playing. Not so sure if saxophones are ever conterminous with country music. Second, as with most Duff CDs, there are far too many covers. Further, a few of the covers such as Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine" should be left untouched as comparisons are unavoidable. Relative to Carter's spirited version of this song about a summer fling, Duff's rendition sounds sluggish.
Nevertheless, despite the flaws, "Heartbreaker" is still a delight especially to votaries of country ballads. There's a refreshing quality to Duff's vocals and the songs are varied with the bulk aimed at the heart."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
