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Before I talk about the music, let's get one thing straight: there is no such thing as "Contemporary Pop Rock R&B Country". There's Country, there's pop, there's R&B and there are infinite combinations and styles of each.
But get beyond that ludicrous "classification" and you're in for a treat, albeit a short one. Calling the collection an album is ambitious: there are only seven tracks in all.
The songs actually get under the skin of the rodeo, and take you inside the ring. J'Lee's vocals, oozing gospel and soul are thoroughly Country. The music is first rate - there are some class musicians playing on these songs.
The first single to go to Country radio was "The Roughest Ride". Lyrically, this is astonishing. That cliched view of the rodeo I mentioned? Forget it: this is the rodeo from the BULL'S viewpoint.
Tell you something, I wouldn't dare think of trying to start to become a rodeo rider. And after hearing this, I'd be absolutely sure I was right not to.
Why that was the first single, I can't work out because - while it's a great song, it's somewhat inaccessible musically.
"Barrel-Racing Cowgirl", on the other hand, is pure Country. The high speed melody is easy to get your ears around, and J'Lee's vocals really take off.
The harmony vocals hold echoes of a restrained Gospel choir and the picking - banjo and guitar - is amazing. THIS should be the next single.
The ladies will love it, so will the guys, and so will Country radio!
Elsewhere on the album, my favorites are "Cutting Horse Dance" and "Flying Bull".
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