Search - Melinda Schneider :: Be Yourself

Be Yourself
Melinda Schneider
Be Yourself
Genres: Country, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1


     

CD Details

All Artists: Melinda Schneider
Title: Be Yourself
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Shock
Release Date: 8/21/2009
Album Type: Import
Genres: Country, Pop, Rock
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
 

CD Reviews

The Rewards of "Being Yourself"
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 07/05/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: I'll Take Care of You, Understanding, Courageous



If a picture could speak a thousand words, Schneider's latest album cover speaks volumes. With her self- focused portrait in her retro 70s-looking mini dress, "Be Yourself" harkens back to the hardcore country days of Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Indeed, this new disc has a more traditional feel furnished by the heighten presence of a more surging twang and brisker honesty. Two reasons are responsible in part for such a more rustic move: first is the presence of co-producer Michael Clute whose resume include handling the production chores of country music's super group Diamond Rio. Second, by teaming with some of Nashville's best scribes Gordon Kennedy, Bob Regan, Jay Knowles and Marcia Ramirez, these paeans certainly exude a seasoned country vibe. Most promising though is that Schneider has never sounded more herself--her soft, pure somehow light weighted vocals have never sounded more assured and confident.



With country music's current obsession with inspirational "feel-good" songs, Schneider adds her share to the oeuvre with the title track "Be Yourself." With such hortatory lines such as "Be yourself everybody else is taken/And no one else can do the things you do," Schneider has a way to breathe life into those ready to give up on life. Further, peppered by the song's infectious melody this anthemic boast deserves repeated listens. Functioning as a soothing balm, the gorgeous tinkling piano notes of "Courageous," a former duet with fellow Aussie Olivia Newton-John, continues to give hope to those who have been battered by the trials of life. Eschewing those non-descript androgynous country rockers Schneider is not afraid to express her emotions as a woman. "Understanding," a Lorrie Morgan type of moody ballad, details with perspicuity the heart's cry of a woman for intimacy. On the hand, "Safe" voices the general bewilderment of women over the male species' fear of commitment.



Easily the highlight of the album is "I'll Take Care of You." Written with her mother in mind, this gorgeous expression of filial piety has lyrics that extend right into the soul. Here's a snippet: "As long as you're the winner/They all love what you do/But when you are the loser/I'll take care of you." The briskly finger-picked banjo transports "Grassy" into the blurry divide of bluegrass and country that is quite enthralling. Key with a similarly bright shuffling arrangement, "Thank You" drips with sarcasm of all the lessons Schneider as a result of being dumped by her man. However, with Schneider co-writing all the cuts here, there are a few such as "Bad Day" and "Still Here" that are acceptable without having the poignancy of the other choice cuts.



Nevertheless, on this fifth outing, Schneider has truly found her niche. She has never sounded more confident and assured; and such radiance truly shines through. For those who truly want a boost to the self esteem, the songs here will definitely do that and more. And such is the reward of someone who knows what it means to "be yourself."

"
The Rewards of "Being Yourself"
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 07/09/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: I'll Take Care of You, Understanding, Courageous



If a picture could speak a thousand words, Schneider's latest album cover speaks volumes. With her self- focused portrait in her retro 70s-looking mini dress, "Be Yourself" harkens back to the hardcore country days of Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Indeed, this new disc has a more traditional feel furnished by the heighten presence of a more surging twang and brisker honesty. Two reasons are responsible in part for such a more rustic move: first is the presence of co-producer Michael Clute whose resume include handling the production chores of country music's super group Diamond Rio. Second, by teaming with some of Nashville's best scribes Gordon Kennedy, Bob Regan, Jay Knowles and Marcia Ramirez, these paeans certainly exude a seasoned country vibe. Most promising though is that Schneider has never sounded more herself--her soft, pure somehow light weighted vocals have never sounded more assured and confident.



With country music's current obsession with inspirational "feel-good" songs, Schneider adds her share to the oeuvre with the title track "Be Yourself." With such hortatory lines such as "Be yourself everybody else is taken/And no one else can do the things you do," Schneider has a way to breathe life into those ready to give up on life. Further, peppered by the song's infectious melody this anthemic boast deserves repeated listens. Functioning as a soothing balm, the gorgeous tinkling piano notes of "Courageous," a former duet with fellow Aussie Olivia Newton-John, continues to give hope to those who have been battered by the trials of life. Eschewing those non-descript androgynous country rockers Schneider is not afraid to express her emotions as a woman. "Understanding," a Lorrie Morgan type of moody ballad, details with perspicuity the heart's cry of a woman for intimacy. On the hand, "Safe" voices the general bewilderment of women over the male species' fear of commitment.



Easily the highlight of the album is "I'll Take Care of You." Written with her mother in mind, this gorgeous expression of filial piety has lyrics that extend right into the soul. Here's a snippet: "As long as you're the winner/They all love what you do/But when you are the loser/I'll take care of you." The briskly finger-picked banjo transports "Grassy" into the blurry divide of bluegrass and country that is quite enthralling. Key with a similarly bright shuffling arrangement, "Thank You" drips with sarcasm of all the lessons Schneider as a result of being dumped by her man. However, with Schneider co-writing all the cuts here, there are a few such as "Bad Day" and "Still Here" that are acceptable without having the poignancy of the other choice cuts.



Nevertheless, on this fifth outing, Schneider has truly found her niche. She has never sounded more confident and assured; and such radiance truly shines through. For those who truly want a boost to the self esteem, the songs here will definitely do that and more. And such is the reward of someone who knows what it means to "be yourself."

"