Kerosene opens with an appropriate sizzle that turns into a bright flame. The pounding beat of the opening track is catchy and full-bodied, and Miranda Lambert's reedy, deep-country twang stands its ground easily.

"Greyhound Bound for Nowhere" is a gentle country ballad that makes the most of her soft, clear tones. There's a little comparison to be made with Reba, but not enough to take away from Lambert's own artistry.

"New Strings" brings a faint hint of Dolly, but once again, that soon fades into the golden glow of Miranda's own style and grace. Her lyrics and music have a slightly modern sound but are rooted with strong tones from country classics of the '70s. I'm thinking Buck Owens and Charlie Pride, though Miranda is only a little thing. The great music on this CD might be the key.

Her little voice is clear and entirely suited to all the songs on the CD. There's a punky "I Wanna Die" that stands out in a good albeit strange way. The songwriting and lyrics are interesting and fresh while suiting the genre. The credits are Miranda's including a few collaborations with Travis Howard and Scotty Wray, Rick Lambert and Heather Little.

Fantastic musicians strike the professional tone of this debut CD. The guitar crew include Richard Bennett, Jay Joyce, Randy Scruggs and Mike Wrucke. Hank Singer adds fine country fiddle and background vocalists, keyboards, bass, drums and steel all make this CD sound like it's a fourth or fifth production of the artist -- certainly not the first.

Everything on here is enjoyable. Some good lively country, some sad, mellow songs and something a little different to round it all out. Full credit to Sony for not dressing Lambert down and showing too much skin on the pics in the liner notes. Her beauty shows through all the more.

If you like country even a little, you'll really enjoy Kerosene.

by Virginia MacIsaac
Rambles.NET
16 December 2006