Search - Shelby Lynne :: Restless

Swing meets Country in this Underrated CD

John Ebert | Watertown, WI USA | 04/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Country music and swing jazz are not usually paired together, but they are in this album with fabulous results. Starting with the title track, Restless, and ending with the album's final cut, Swingtown, this album combines fine jazz fiddle work with steel guitars, along with an irresistable beat and Shelby's great vocals for a fun underrated CD. Shelby shares songwriting credit on 5 of the 10 songs showing her breadth of talent. Jamie O'Hara writes or co-writes 6 of the 10 tunes. Not all the songs are jazz, as some are country soaked blues with wailing harmonicas and sad, cry-in-your-beer lyrics. Another highlight on this album is Wish I Knew, a blues infused song with Shelby's soaring vocals that will leave you with goosebumps. All of this on an album that is now found in the bargain bins. Pick it up and experience some great tunes from an underrated performer."

Yellow Moon in the Southern Sky

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Curb Records' re-release of this Shelby Lynne set is indeed welcome both for the budget pricetag & the musical excellence. After having been blown away by Jamie O'Hara's "Beautiful Obsession" CD, he writes & co-writes 6 of the 10 tracks here. Shelby Lynne's voice is one of the most beautiful & expressive. Marrying that voice to great material with sterling musicianship results in one unforgettable CD.



The set closer "Swingtown" is delightful western swing with a rollicking gospel flair, "Let the heavens swing with all their melodies ... And when they need some more to sing a harmony, if I'm there, please let them call on me!" The opener "Slow Me Down" rocks relentlessly with Lynne's vocals oozing positive glee, "I need a little time for some relaxation, a little bit of loving from my sugar pie, Only heaven knows how my heart's been aching for a big yellow moon in the Southern sky." "Hey Now Little Darling" has that classic sense of bounce you get off many of O'Hara's songs & details a joyful breakup. Rod McGaha's jazz CD "Preacherman" on Nashville's Compass label was a favorite release a few years back, resulting in about 5 copies under friends' Christmas tree that year. Here, McGaha pens the lovely slow aching "Wish I Knew" that Shelby takes and nails the sad energy of the track. With Shelby's excellent new CD "Suit Yourself" moving in a more personal vein, "Restless" works as a set where she was trying to suit the audience. There are no weak tracks on this CD. Bravo!"

Restless by Shelby Lynne

G. Christy | Russellville, Ark. | 08/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely love every song on this CD. The 1st song "Slow Me Down" starts off up tempo and just gets better from there. I guess The song "Restless" is my all time favorite on this CD. I think that it's so tragic that Shelby Lynne and her sister Allison Moorer haven't won every award out there. This CD has some really great musicans on it and whom ever is singing back-up with Shelby is great.This CD has something for everyone."