Comments on: Crystal Shawanda, Dawn of a New Day

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:41:04 +0000

Yeah, that was my bottom line for the Jones review as well. I guess it’s a 3-star week for the new releases here at CU.:)

By: Blake Boldt

Blake Boldt — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:36:27 +0000

Three stars is a qualified suggestion. The collection contains enough impressive pieces to be worthy of consideration, but still lacks a certain level of consistency in song quality, production, etc.

Simple, right?

Bottom line, the album is deserving of 1-2 listens, with the highpoints as recommended listening on a consistent basis.

By: Kevin J. Coyne

Kevin J. Coyne — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:10:48 +0000

I agree with Leann. Three stars is a recommendation, and thus is higher than half-full, even if only by a drop or two.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:17:43 +0000

I don’t know about Blake, but if I give an album 3 stars, it’s higher than half full. I’m still recommending the album.

I just downloaded her version of “Your Cheatin Heart” and she’s got quite a voice! “You Can Let Go”, for good reason, doesn’t even begin to give a glimpse of her vocal ability.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:13:18 +0000

is this album half full or half empty?

there is a seriously strong sounding voice, but to often it’s wasted on copy-cat songs similar in style to “before he cheats”. there’s a young singer with a background that could possibly yield quite a few stories worthwhile to be told, but too much room is given to rather generic material.
there are three or four songs that are potential radio hit-songs, but five fillers, on the other hand, make it somewhat hard to get wholeheartedly excited about this effort.

in the end, crystal shawanda’s undeniable potential makes the glass half full and the three stars verdict reflects that very aptly.

By: [Still Shouldn't Be Commenting]

[Still Shouldn't Be Commenting] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:03:26 +0000

Truthfully, I didn’t mean to. :( Stupid WordPress.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:01:14 +0000

Ah Dan, you’re revealing yourself tonight?
Great review, Blake! I’ve been curious about this album. I really like her voice, but am lukewarm about the first single. I appreciate the sentiment, especially as someone who thinks the world of my dad, but I don’t like the predictability of the lyrics, melody or production. So, I was hoping for something more from Shawanda on the over all album. Judging by your review, I’m happy that it seems like there will be a few downloadable tracks for me to buy.

By: [Still Shouldn't Be Commenting]

[Still Shouldn't Be Commenting] — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:53:58 +0000

“My Blake!”

Great review. I’ll be interested to give this one a listen.