John Wayne Walking Away - Lari White, Boonstra, Jerry
Stepping Stone - Lari White, Kent, David
That's What You Do - Lari White, Cannon, Chuck
You Can't Go Home Again (Flies on Butter) [Flies on the Butter] - Lari White, Cannon, Chuck
Only God Could Stop Me Loving You - Lari White, Lange, R.J.
On a Night Like This - Lari White, Allen, Deborah
You Can't Take That from Me - Lari White, Hengber, Liz
This Is Love - Lari White, Cannon, Chuck
Take Me - Lari White, DiPiero, Bob
Tired - Lari White, Cannon, Chuck
Look Homeward Angel - Lari White, Cannon, Chuck
Lari White's fourth studio album is a typical, turn-of-the- century Nashville moment, and so unfortunately it includes all the strengths and weaknesses one might expect: perfect but sterile playing; lots of story songs m... more »ore interested in their clever ideas ("John Wayne Walking Away," for example) than in their real stories; and undeniable hooks (the title-track first single) wasted with shallow, feel-good lyrics. White has got some kinda pipes--enough to actually pull off a slinky, if unremarkable, country-pop declaration like "Take Me"--and is a technically superb singer, too. Perhaps too much so, since she oversings most everything, even a fine working- class slow-burn called "Tired," where she manages to work up enough energy to sing the word "gone" with a good half-dozen syllables. --David Cantwell« less
Lari White's fourth studio album is a typical, turn-of-the- century Nashville moment, and so unfortunately it includes all the strengths and weaknesses one might expect: perfect but sterile playing; lots of story songs more interested in their clever ideas ("John Wayne Walking Away," for example) than in their real stories; and undeniable hooks (the title-track first single) wasted with shallow, feel-good lyrics. White has got some kinda pipes--enough to actually pull off a slinky, if unremarkable, country-pop declaration like "Take Me"--and is a technically superb singer, too. Perhaps too much so, since she oversings most everything, even a fine working- class slow-burn called "Tired," where she manages to work up enough energy to sing the word "gone" with a good half-dozen syllables. --David Cantwell
CD Reviews
Underrated
Jake Z | Canada | 09/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lari White's 1998 album STEPPING STONE mostly went unnoticed, even though it produced a top 20 country single, the title track. After the failure of this album, Lari lost her record deal and signed with an indie label and released an R&B album titled GREEN EYED SOUL which is available on her website. It's a shame this album did not do better for her career, because there's some great songs here. The album opens with "John Wayne Walking Away" which was a single but flopped badly, vocally she is on par on this track as she emotionally pleas for her lover to leave. The title track really caught my attention, it's very catchy and was the only hit of the album. "That's What You Do" is another catchy song. I really like her version of "Flies On The Butter (You Can't Go Home Again)" even better than the newer version done by the Judds on Wynonna's new album, there's just something in her voice that really resonates. Same goes for the ballad-duet with Toby Keith, their cover of Billy Ray Cyrus' "Only God Could Stop Me Loving You", I like their version the best, even better than the newly reduxed version by Emerson Drive. "On A Night Like This" should have been a single, it has hit written all over it, its a song LeAnn Rimes actually passed on. Ballads like "You Can't Take That" are emotional but not overpowering. "This Is Love" and "Take Me" are uptempos that are fun to listen to, the latter was also a single. She does a good cover of Toby Keith's "Tired", and closes the album with the emotional "Look Homeward Angel", which is a highlight. Overall a great album!"
Lari's Shining Moment
J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 03/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"STEPPING STONE is in my opinion, Lari White's most exciting and enjoyable album. The album ranges from contemporary country to traditional, with her own blend and style of country as well as gospel and catchy songs. The album opens with "John Wayne Walking Away", an endearing ballad about a relationship gone wrong, a choice between freedom or staying in the relationship, its a beautiful ballad which country radio failed to notice. Same goes for the title track, which is a positive, pick me up kind of song. "On A Night Like This" deserved to be a single, its a great uptempo song about falling in love and having a good time. Lari really shines with Toby Keith on the duet "Only God Could Stop Me Loving You", and she also does a great job on the cover of Toby's song "Tired". Other fun songs include "This Is Love" and "That's What You Do". "You Cant Go Home Again (Flies On The Butter" is a great song about remembering ones childhood and the good times, and how precious those times are. The album closes with a beautiful gospel song, "Look Homeward Angel". Overall STEPPING STONE failed to be a stepping stone in her career, but its one of her most endearing albums and should not be overlooked any further, do yourself a favor and give this one a chance!"
Great Album
gemini_j | Canada | 08/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stepping Stone is Lari White's fourth studio album, her most promising one yet. The songs are fun, and it is pop country but the voice is amazing. Its also amazing, with a voice like that why she isn't big in country. You ask someone about Lari White most would just say who? because she is an underrated singer. If you want good music, you should get this album because the songs tell stories. Go out and get it!"
"Lari White returns on a new label with a solid collection of songs that highlight her strong delivery. The first single and title track boasts a great melody and strong vocals even though the lyrics are a little weak. The opening cut, "John Wayne Walking Away," begins with some beautiful guitar and gets the disc off to a great start. Other highlights include "Take Me" and "You Can't Go Home Again." Let's hope this one places Lari in the upper echelon of Nashville ladies."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1