That's What Makes You Strong - Wynonna Judd, Winchester, Jesse
The 90's Was the 60's Turned Upside Down - Wynonna Judd, Chapman, Marshall
Wynonna never fails to surprise. While anticipating a reunion tour with Mama Naomi Judd, the prodigal daughter ventures further than ever from mainstream country with her fifth solo album. Foremost among the curves she thr... more »ows listeners is a version of "Help Me" that flatters Joni Mitchell's original with an uncanny imitation. Her album-ending rendition of "I Can't Wait to Meet You," borrowed from pop-soul supernova Macy Gray, sounds more like Rufus-era Chaka Khan. Then there's her revival of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enough," which has more growl than bite, but features a spoken-word interlude that conjures Elvis in Vegas. Elsewhere, Wynonna seems most at home with a funky groove and a gospel lyric, like an acolyte of Aretha in the land of Patsy Cline. This limited-edition package includes a four-song EP recorded with Mama, adding blues-rock, Western swing, and even a pseudo-psychedelic novelty to the mix. --Don McLeese« less
Wynonna never fails to surprise. While anticipating a reunion tour with Mama Naomi Judd, the prodigal daughter ventures further than ever from mainstream country with her fifth solo album. Foremost among the curves she throws listeners is a version of "Help Me" that flatters Joni Mitchell's original with an uncanny imitation. Her album-ending rendition of "I Can't Wait to Meet You," borrowed from pop-soul supernova Macy Gray, sounds more like Rufus-era Chaka Khan. Then there's her revival of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enough," which has more growl than bite, but features a spoken-word interlude that conjures Elvis in Vegas. Elsewhere, Wynonna seems most at home with a funky groove and a gospel lyric, like an acolyte of Aretha in the land of Patsy Cline. This limited-edition package includes a four-song EP recorded with Mama, adding blues-rock, Western swing, and even a pseudo-psychedelic novelty to the mix. --Don McLeese
Dawn T. from MCCORDSVILLE, IN Reviewed on 10/26/2006...
2 CD's great sound & songs.
CD Reviews
Whoa!
02/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Recently, I purchased "New Day Dawning". In the past, I have never bought a Wynonna album! Primarily, I listen to the usual Contemporary Country Pop format. While this album has a couple of mainstream songs, it heavily relies on influences from other genres of music. It begins with the the song " Going Nowhere", reminiscent of early Judd recordings. Next is the title track. This song marks her return to Tony Brown production. "Can't Nobody Love You Like I Do" is a simple but moving contemporary ballad that is a surefire hit. The fourth track, "Chain Reaction" is classic Wynonna style, with rollicking electric guitars. " Help Me", the Joni Mitchell remake, showcases Wynonna's diverse voice." I've Got Your Love" is Wynonna relying heavily on her three magnificent back-up singers. The seventh "Tuff Enuff" is a Thunderbirds remake. Personally I've never the original, but it probably shies away in comparison. The next is "Who Am I Trying To Fool" pretty lackluster if you ask me. The next two tracks "He Rocks", and " Without You" are both fun and upbeat. "Learning To Love With Love Again" is a gourgeous ballad, that is a definite hit. The last, " I Can't Wait To Meet You" is the best! With funky instrumentation and vocal stylings this song is both fun, and praises the Lord, at the same time! This album is a piece of work, it should revitalize her place at country radio, and any other format she decides to conquer along the way! I was somewhat indifferent on the new Judds tracks, but one in particular sticks out, "The Nineties Was The Sixties Turned Upside Down" is a fun song with a powerful message. These are definitly different than anything else they have ever done. Overall: A GREAT album with the best songs, and very hip production!"
WOW! Wynonna has a winner!
Carol Haas | 02/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anybody who predicted this was going to be a last gasp effort for Wynonna's solo career sure missed the mark. They underestimated a voice that only gets better and better that's been coupled with exceptional songs. She has an uncanny ability to please those who love her performing songs that "rock" and those (like myself) who prefer the slower love ballads ("Who Am I Trying To Fool" and "Can't Nobody Love You"). Her strong, unique voice works well in songs with lyrics that rip your heart out (reminiscent of "Is It Over Yet" and "A Bad Goodbye"). I also enjoyed the CD inserts -- the photos were well done and her "thank you's" to friends and colleagues were interesting to read. I wasn't very fond of the the Judd reunion CD, but I was never a big fan of Naomi. I'd like to hear more Wynonna duets with Clint Black and other male vocalists (Kenny Rogers, Hal Ketchum, perhaps?)"
The Day has finally Dawned and it will shine for years!
Paul W. Sager | Saint Louis, Missouri | 02/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Today is the day that The New Day is Dawning. After a long hiatus from the record shelves, Miss Judd conjures up an album that shows her own true style. Reteaming with Tony Brown, the man behind that pivotal album of her career (Wynonna), adding James Stroud (the man behind Lorrie Morgan's hit albums) and ufor the first time, producing her own album, Wynonna has crafted an album that is begging for a convertible ride in the country, jamming away with the top down and the volume on full blast! But let's not forget what else this album brings, it brings Mama Judd back into the light. But more on that...The album opens with the track, Going Nowhere. This certainly does not reflect the direction the album is heading. The opposite is quite the story here. Wynonna is one of those singers who has such a range in style that she can melt your heart with ballads such as Can't Nobody Love You, (Like I Do) and then jam away with a cover of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tuff Enough and then stray into the pop category with a cover of Macy Gray's I Can't Wait To Meet You and then a cover of Joni Mitchell's Help Me. Gosh! What a range, and who better than Wynonna to take us there? The album is full of grit your teeth, stomp your feet rockers, and lush ballads that tug your heart strings. This album is by far worth the wait.And let's not forget the bonus disc. If just for the the title track. The girl(s) know when to have a good time and this EP entitled Big Bang Boogie showcases it. The four song EP makes you miss the good ole days, but that is just what they are, the past. Wynonna is the present and the future, and frankly she sounds better than ever. Mama will never be far behind, but it's now Wynonna's turn! I say you go sister friend! And with The New Day Dawning, Wynonna proves that quality is better than quantity."
Incredible!
2legit | 04/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a huge fan of Wynonna's! Girlfriend has soul like no other. I think that she gets better and better with age. She reaches deep into her soul to bring out the best in every song. On this compilation, "Can't Nobody Love You Like I Do" and "Who Am I Trying to Fool" are my absolute favorites, but when I really want to jam I put on "Tuff Enuff" to get going. She is one artist that I can honestly say that I have every solo album she's ever cut as well the majority of the work she's done with her mother. That's saying something coming from a Black girl from the Midwest. I've come to realize that soul isn't just R & B. It's any music that makes you feel something and keeps you coming back for more. I've just about played my tape to death already just in the last two months! It doesn't get any better than that!"
New day dawning.
Yiannis Psaroudis | soho, ny | 02/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"having never purchased a wynona or judds album, prior to _new day dawning_, i can't speak to wynona's progression as an artist or how far of a departure this is from her standard fare. i'm inclined to believe, however, that references to her changing course are unfounded as her public persona depicts her as a woman who is full of surprises and who tends to do as she pleases. what i can say is that, regardless of genre, _new day dawning_ contains what will probably prove themselves to be some of the most well-written and performed songs of 2000. "who am i trying to fool" is a clear stand-out, which transcends boundaries. a cover of grammy-nomited r&b new-comer macy gray's "i can't wait to meet you" brings wynona one step closer to establishing her own r&b following. other highlights include "going nowhere", "can't nobody love you (like i do)" and "lost without you"."