Album Spotlight Review: Trisha Yearwood

Real Live Woman
PRODUCERS: Garth Fundis, Trisha Yearwood
MCA 170102
On her ninth MCA release, Trisha Yearwood clearly cements her status as one of the top contemporary vocalists, regardless of genre. Stylistically diverse, "Woman" leans lyrically toward bare-bones emotional impact, from the soaring opening track, "Where Are You Now," to the sparse "Some Days." Always astute at choosing material, Yearwood is particularly on target this time out, making use of a wide range of blue-chip songwriters from both inside and outside the Nashville music community, with nary a Diane Warren cut in the bunch. While both country and AC radio should find plenty to love here, this record has the feel of one created with passion for and by the artist at the forefront rather than for commercial viability. This girl lays it all on the line, track after track. A beautifully performed and produced set, if this "Woman" has a flaw it's only a dearth of uptempo cuts. That said, the saucy "Too Bad You're No Good" is a welcome relief about halfway through-a sure sign that Yearwood is aiming for the heart with accuracy. An inspired work and another career milestone.