| CD Review: Now - Jessica Andrews | |
|
Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
With a more grown-up look and music to back up the image, Jessica Andrews is at a new place in her life and from the first note of Now, you can tell how much she has experienced and enjoyed in the time it has taken her to make this album. Not only has she co-written two songs, her boyfriend (and artist) Marcel Chagnon helped write two as well.
Opening up the album with a high-energy song of empowerment, "There's More To Me Than You," is about a female that has finally realized that she does not deserve what she is getting out of a relationship. She used to think that everything in her life revolved around her boyfriend until she saw the negativity around her as she sings "I believe in myself, that makes me stronger" in the chorus.
"When Gentry Plays Guitar" is a standout song that more than a few concert-goers could relate to because there is always someone out in the crowd that falls for the performer sitting on the stage playing guitar and singing. She wishes that Gentry would take his mind off the song and melody and pay attention to nothing else but her - especially after receiving a rose that was given to her by him.
"I Wish For You" is another inspirational song that gives hope to those who are feeling alone or are about to move away from a familiar situation. Whatever a person goes through, even if it hurts, they need to remain brave and learn from the ups and the downs of life because in the end it will only make them stronger.
A song that could be a sequel to the first depending on how you interpret it, "Never Be Forgotten" captures the emotional imagery of longing and yearning for the chance to see that special someone just one more time. Even though that will not happen, she vows that no matter what she will always remember everything that happened whether that be a touch or just a certain feeling.
Jessica likes to sing positives songs and "Sunshine And Love" captures the young and exuberant part of her personality. When life is getting you down, all you need to do is close your eyes and think of things that make you happy because in some way it will take you to that place where you feel like nothing could ever possibly go wrong.
"Cowboy Guarantee" is definitely my favorite song from Now, and it is no surprise because it is written by Rebecca Lynn Howard along with Jim Collins. Though she should have known better, the girl at a rodeo fell madly in love with a cowboy only to be swept away under the rug once that wild cowboy blew on down the road like a tumbleweed. In the end, she sings, "it was worth it to know that she was loved for just that one night."
From the first listen, "Second Sunday" sounds very radio friendly and it also pretty darn catchy. When you are in love, waking up on a Monday morning after a great weekend of being with someone special is dreadful, and sometimes you wish there was another twenty-four hours in a weekend.
There is a hidden track, which happens to be a ballad version of the first track (and single) "There's More To Me Than You," which really demonstrates how well Jessica can convey strong emotions when she sings. It is a beautiful close to a wonderful album that her fans will embrace and new listeners can become interested in once they here a single from the album.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Jessica Andrews (Official) Website
Album cover, used with permission of DreamWorks Nashville.
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
