Sims a Class of Her Own
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 12/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Prime Cuts: 21 to 17, Wild Flowers, Just Can't Tell
Sims' sophomore CD "Annie" is in a class of its own. Rather than chasing well-worn (albeit the more successful) trail of country pop blazed by stalwarts such as LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride, Sims has decided to give those ear-popping drums and feisty electric guitars a recess. Instead, she has gone for a more mellow and understated approach with the album's accent on ballads. Such a move certainly reaps its dividends in terms of its enjoyment value as well as its ability to shudder the heart. Credit also needs to be given to Sims' well-chosen songs of which 4 are covers with the other 6 coming from some of Nashville's top tiered writers such as Chuck Jones, Bob DiPero, Annie Roboff, Reese Wilson and even Julie Reeves (the one time signee to the now dysfunctional Virgin Nashville Records).
Of the covers, most heartfelt is Sims' cover of Dolly Parton's "Wildflowers." On a cursory level, "Wildflowers" may appear to be an idyllic ode to roadside floral. But on a more metaphorical level, the inspirational lessons one could draw from this beautiful ballad is heart rendering. Though Sims is no match for Parton's sweet naivety so befitting to the song's tenor, her take is quite beguiling. "Say Goodnight," a piano-based ballad that writer Beth Niselen Chapman wrote at the death of her husband, is a haunting piece made even more bittersweet with the gentle brush of strings. Sims captures the romantic feel of Janis Ian's "Through the Years," though she's not as convincing as Reba McEntire (who also covered he song a few years back) on Kenny Rogers' "Sweet Music Man."
Of the new compositions, "21 to 17" is one of those story love songs situated in a high school football games. Though there is nothing novel about the song's idea, thanks to writer Reese Wilson's engaging way of telling a good story, it's hard not to be captivated by the song's character and storyline. "Just Can't Tell" is a heartbreaking ballad of a girl jilted by her paramour made even more poignant by the gentle piano backing and Sims' passionate delivery. However, not all are down tempo, "Love Never Said" is mid-pacer with a toe tapping melodic drive. On this track Sims sounds uncannily like Lorrie Morgan without her occasional rasp. "Everything I Know About Leavin'" finds Sims in a swamps of some Delta blues as she rocks in front of some clogging sounding drums.
Despite only 10 tracks and clocking a little more than a half of an hour, Sims has decided to shoot for quality than quantity. Frankly, there are no duds here--every song holds its own in terms of melody and lyrical depth. Further, Sims' mellifluous vocals (with that occasional weathered ache) are the perfect vehicle to effuse the hurts, life and hope latent in these gems.
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Track Listings (10) - Disc #1