|
Album Title: Van Lear Rose
Producer(s): Jack White
Source:
Billboard Magazine
Originally Reviewed: May 08, 2004
The artistic marriage of producer Jack White of the
White Stripes and country icon Loretta Lynn might seem a
stretch. But the end result, "Van Lear Rose," proves the
pairing incredibly inspired. More mountain soul than
country gold, Lynn gives it hell from start to finish.
She belts with authority on the proud title cut and gets
riled up on the raucous "Mrs. Leroy Brown." White may be
a rocker, but he is a rocker who understands that
country music is about attitude (witness rough diamonds
like "Women's Prison"). "Van Lear Rose" is a completely
personal album; it teems with authenticity on "Story of
My Life" and the spare, sad "Miss Being Mrs." and
captures marital discord in "Trouble on the Line." Other
highlights include the joyous "High on a Mountain Top"
and such description-defying fare as "Little Red Shoes"
and "Have Mercy." This time, the final product exceeds
the hype.—RW
|
