There are few female artists who can vocally compete with
Joy Lynn White. Her two previous Nashville projects set her aside from all the cute girlie-girls the
pop-slop
country format manufactured. This, her first project with top West Coast producers
Dusty Wakeman and
Pete Anderson, provides more evidence of her vocal talent. Recorded in Los Angeles and with songs written by the likes of
Lucinda Williams,
Jann Browne, and
Jimmy Lauderdale to ensure the high caliber of the material and musicians like
Lauderdale,
Scott Joss, Larry Mars,
Tom Brumley, and
Marty Stuart providing musical support, there is no reason why The Lucky Few should not be added to the annals of country & western history as an outstanding event. A duet with
Dwight Yoakam on the
Lauderdale tune, "It's Better This Way," is the project's crowning glory. The title track and both
Williams' cuts, "I Just Wanted to See You So Bad" and "I Lost It," are highlights. Surprisingly,
White's
honky tonk edge seems less biting, and her in-your-face power is somewhat muted. For many, these qualities made her all the more appealing in an age when runnin' with the
honky tonk crowd was frowned upon. Obviously
White is aiming for the crossover audience here. Still, the lady has the chops. ~ Jana Pendragon, All Music Guide
