Album Review: Tessy Lou Williams (Self-Titled)

All us country music fans have heard somebody say one of the following. "Real country music is dead." "Country music just isn't country anymore." "Where did real country go?" The truth is traditional country music did not go anywhere. What you hear on country music radio today is just what is mainstream, but if you go outside of the mainstream there are plenty of great artists carrying on the traditions of classic country artists. If you want any proof simply listen to Tessy Lou Williams' debut album (which came out this year) is proof that the type of country music that you and I fell in love with is still alive and well. With a great artist like Tessy Lou Williams, it is in good hands.

To get away from the simple fact that this is traditional country music, and to discuss the quality itself, this is an incredible debut album. She has one of the most beautiful sounding voices in country music today. In many ways the voice reminds me of Alison Krauss, but she never copies Alison. Her voice also perfectly conveys every emotion in the songs. This is perfect as this type of country music is about telling the truth and there is not a false note in her singing. The songs themselves are excellent. The lyrics all tell little stories that ring as true as her voice. While there are some things that have become country music clichés mentioned here (drinking, heartbreak), they are not used as clichés. They are treated in a very mature and real way, never once talking down to the album's audience. The music is beautiful perfectly blending in with Tessy's lovely voice. Since most of the songs are ballads the much music is soft and doesn't call attention to itself. Still when a faster paced song comes up (Such as Round and Round), the music is as energetic as you could want.

This is top notch traditional country music in every way possible. If you are a country music fan (even if you don't like what is currently mainstream), this is highly recommended.     

-Michael J. Ruhland