Average Rating: 
Rating: - A new spin on what's normally known as "country music"
"The Hardest Part" (Allison Moorer's previous effort) showed snippets of the change in direction she was already concocting, especially in songs like "Send Down An Angel". (This is the song that had a video with amazing onirical landscapes and even a Gram Parsons impersonator).
With "Miss Fortune" she finally takes the crossover leap that lets her stand a little bit farther from Nashville, and a couple of giant steps closer to Wilcoland & Jayhawkstown. Which is good news, indeed, in these "no-risk-is-better" times. Since I'm definitely not a fan of traditional country music (I'm more into alternative country / no depression stuff), I have to really applaud this decision. Besides, Allison sings here better than ever before, and -- if there's any justice in this world -- she should quickly surpass her sister Shelby Lynne in terms of critical acclaim and record sales. From a Nashville point of view "Miss Fortune" brings REAL innovation to the table, both lyrically and musically. Stand out moments are "Hey Jezebel", "Tumbling Down", and the poignant, heart-warming "Let Go". Country music never sounded so modern!
Believe me: Not buying this album would be a misfortune. PS: If you really like Allison's music, try and find "Music for Our Mother Ocean, Vol. 3", a rare various artists compilation album that features her rendition of the Beatles' own "Here Comes The Sun". The CD is worth buying just for this jewel of a cover. Very beautiful stuff.
Rating: - CRUCIAL CAREER MILESTONE SAFELY PASSED
Allison Moorer may have the most powerful, expressive voice in country music, and she has the song-writing talent to back it up. I gave her last album, "The Hardest Part" an ecstatic 5-star review, and would probably give her debut cut, "Alabama Song", 4.5 stars if the system allowed fractions.Allison has now reached what has been the watershed for good or bad, the make-or-break point in so many recording careers, the famously "difficult" third album. Make no mistake, it's a good album as every fan knew it would be - the lady's talent, discipline and professional commitment always ensured that would be the case. My only real regret is that (quite understandably in view of the critical timing in her career), Allison has played it a little safe this time. As editorial reviews say, it's closer to conventional Nashville, and I haven't yet found anything on here to compare with the desolate beauty of "A Soft Place To Fall" or the awesome spine-tingling intensity of "No Next Time" (my favourite tracks off the first two albums). Also I miss the traditional bluegrass inflections of her earlier work. The good news is that there is not a duff track on the album. Allison's blistering voice is if anything on even better form than before, and the soulfulness that set her apart from the Nashville pack seems even further to the front. And the best news of all is that by broadening her appeal at this critical phase Allison has played a good hand for her long-term career. That promises more great work to come, and all the time in the world to pursue a more personal musical vision in the years ahead.
Rating:  - Good Listening
As the Amazon review implies, Allison Moorer moves away from the traditional sounding country to more contemporary arrangements on her third album MISS FORTUNE, but gives it her own style and makes it her own and distinct. This is honestly one of the best albums to come out of Nashville this year. It encorporates country rock, gospel funk and torch songs in a sound that is hard to define and/or categorize. Still we have the poignant and sharp lyrics that fans have come to expect from Moorer. The opening "Tumbling Down" is brilliant, sad and direct. "Cold In California" asks the lover if they feel the chill from the ill fated relationship, after they've left. Allison to me is like a modern day Dusty Springfield, she has so much resonance and soul in her voice. The upbeat "Ruby Jewel Was Here" is a nice addition, as is the rocker "Hey Jezebel". "Let Go" is a nice mid tempo about not being able to let go, even though you want to. "Steal The Sun" is one of the best performances on the disc, definately a highlight. Other highlights include "Mark My Word", "Dying Breed" and "Yessirree". Check this album out, you won't be disapointed!
|
