Shawna Russell: Reviews

Today's Country Magazine: Rumor Review

Band: SHAWNA RUSSELL
Album: "Rumor" Single
Label:  Way Out West Records
 
By: Jeff Kurtis
 
With her album Goddess and it's singles "Should've Been Born With Wheels" and "Fire In The Desert," Oklahoma native Shawna Russell began to make her name known amongst the right industry pockets around Nashville. Following the success of her singles, Russell began to work on new songs for her follow-up effort here in town and is offering "Rumor" up to fans and critics alike as a free download through her website throughout November giving folks a taste of what's to come. With "Rumor" we see a bit of a different side to Russell. Her vocal abilities stretch even further than she has before offering listeners a chance to see how she has grown as a vocalist since we last heard from her, while lyrically this is the most passionate song she has released to date. Without borders that surround so many acts these days in the country music world, Shawna Russell was able to take some chances musically that might otherwise be unheard of and it pays off throughout this track. With the passion of the lyrics surrounded by a voice with the perfect delivery of them and music that takes risks here or there helping this track stand out, it is no wonder it has caught on with listeners in just a few short weeks since its release. Shawna Russell proved that she had the "it" factor with the release of Goddess and with songs like this one to follow-up on that she seems ready to stamp her mark on the country music mainstream more than ever.
 
Link to review:
http://www.todayscountrymag.com/shawnarussellcds.htm

Voice of Country: Single Review (Fire in the Desert)

Shawna Russell - “Fire in the Desert”
New Music This Week on VoC (5/4/09)

Shawna Russell, “Fire in the Desert” – Shawna was heavily influenced by 80’s rock and specifically by Stevie Nicks. These influences loom large on the new single,  all to good effect. Slightly retro, but energetic and fun.

http://voiceofcountry.com

CountryChart.com

February 15, 2009

Shawna Russell Goddess CD Review
by B.J. Jones, Music Editor

Beauty, brains and talent collide on the breakthrough debut album "Goddess" from Shawna Russell. This Oklahoma native has been singing since age 7, and her professionalism and raw vocal skills are evident on every track of this sensational project.

Good debut albums from female country artists are remarkably rare these days, and Shawna Russell has pulled out all the stops to craft an album that pulsates with passion and raw emotion. The track "The Only One" gives romantic hope to people who have been rejected by a lover, and the sincere and powerful vocal performance by Russell makes this song a winner. One of the best cuts on the album is "Shed A Tear." This military-inspired anthem, co-written by Shawna Russell, presents a compelling story about a female soldier going off to war. It is a highly successful track that should be of great comfort to soldiers and their families.

The current single, "Should've Been Born With Wheels" is an amazing display of talent by Shawna Russell. This track is reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt mixed with a little Lee Ann Womack. This song will win Russell new fans, and the single is already a hit on country radio.

But the best song on the album is the upbeat country cut "Everybody's Got A Story." This song offers a positive message and has huge radio potential. The lyrics ignite with powerful intensity, and the song has a catchy hook. It is followed by the gentle ballad "Just Let Go" and the barnburner "Get Out Of My Way." However, the biggest surprise of the album is "Little Dixie" which is a classic country feast with a rockin' bluesy beat. "Little Dixie" puts the country music world on notice: Shawna Russell is a force to be reckoned with in country music.

Shawna Russell's "Goddess" is a carefully crafted work of art. The attention to detail is evident on every meticulously produced song, and even the cover art and liner notes are stellar. The tremendous amount of hard work on display in this project proves that Shawna Russell isn't just hoping for a successful album - she wants a long music career. Thankfully, she'll get her wish. With an album this good, it's certain we'll have our goddess for many years (and many albums) to come. CountryChart.com

# # #

Link to review:

http://www.countrychart.com/2009/02/review-shawna-russell-goddess.html

Shawna is 'Who's New' in Country Weekly

On Newsstands Now!

NASHVILLE, TN (January 13, 2009) – Shawna Russell and her latest single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” are profiled in a full-page “Who’s New” feature in the January 26 edition of Country Weekly magazine – on stands now.

In the feature, Russell talks about her early experiences of performing with her father, Keith, and her uncle, Tim. CW Music Editor Chris Neal reveals that the three family members wrote most of the songs for her debut CD, Goddess, released early last year.

Russell also talks about the 3 years that she toured as a part of Ty England’s backing band and how much she learned from him about the art of entertaining a crowd. “He would really reach out to those audiences and pull them into everything that he was doing,” she states. “They would be so enthralled with him. It was nice to watch that.”

Of her latest single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” Russell reveals that it reflects her taste for travel. “Ever since I was 17 we’ve been on the road,” Russell explains. “I’m not content to be in the same place all the time.”

“Wheels” continues to climb the Music Row and Texas Music charts. Later this week she will release a video for the song which was filmed in Oklahoma over the holidays.

Shawna in CMA Up Close

CMA Close Up Debut Artist Spotlight

October/November 2008 issue

By Robert L. Doerschuk 

Goddess

Shawna Russell’s debut album on Way Out West Records, wraps mainstream pop, romantic balladry and high-impact rock ‘n’ roll into a pure Country package. The Oklahoma native’s singing echoes Martina McBride, Stevie Nicks or Bonnie Raitt, depending on how hard the drums drive or the power chords ring. As co-writer on 12 of these 13 songs, she flaunts a commercial touch and tempers it with pure feeling, whether in the stadium-sized anthem “Get Out of My Way,” the crunchy punch of “Back on My Feet” or the Little Feat-flavored funk of “Little Dixie.” 

 Yet Goddess ultimately showcases Russell’s personal blend of toughness, tenderness and tunefulness. Raised in a musical family, she was singing in public by age 7 and co-leading a band with her father Keith at 13. Four years later, as a member of Way Out West, her uncle Tim’s band, she was shining in the spotlight at The Grizzly Rose in Denver, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and other high-profile clubs. 

 Her family ties remain intact, with her father and uncle still writing with her and playing in her band and Tim co-producing Goddess with Ted Curtis. But with her name on the marquee now, with three years of touring with Ty England behind her and a glittering future ahead, Russell can take pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut.  

MUSICAL HERO “My dad.”

CD IN YOUR STEREO “Gold, by Ryan Adams.”

SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN “‘Leader of the Band,’ by Dan Fogelberg.”

GREATEST PERFORMANCE TO DATE “Opening for Keith Urban at the Grizzly Rose

in Denver."

SECRET ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS “I never wear a watch. They just stop working.”

LUCKY CHARM “A talisman necklace.” 

DreamWest Magazine (France)

September-November 2008 Edition
Shawna Russell Goddess CD Review
by Tony Taylor (translated from French)

It's very hard these days to find what one could call 'The perfect album' - but with Goddess, in my opinion, it's impossible to find any faults. Shawna Russell is one of those rare artists that can sing Country, Country Rock, Rock, Pop, and even the Blues with a passion that one can feel, and which highlights each different style.

It's hard to not think about the great female singers in the history of popular music like Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, Terri Nunn of the group Berlin, and Cher when one hears the tracks from Goddess - Back On My Feet and Cemetery Hill which are very Rocky, while Goddess is a masterpiece clearly made for the maximum of airplay and very influenced by Fleetwood Mac. The Only One and Strange Way are emotional and touch the senses, before one is thrust into the Country Rock style with Don't Put Yourself Out and Fire In The Desert.

The track Shed A Tear leads us into traditional Country, before Shawna launches into Should've Been Born With Wheels - again superbly made for the radio, the Bikers, and everyone who loves the highways!

Everybody's Got A Story and Just Let Go are very touching, but they don't stop Shawna from pumping up the volume with the magnificent Get Out Of My Way, simply Rock pure and powerful - ideal for the sound track of a Road Movie!

She closes the album with Little Dixie - a mix of Country and Blues, which is nostalgic, without being sad. If you want to listen to an album better than Goddess - then good luck! It certainly won't be easy to find!

The Oklahoman

April 11, 2008

Shawna Russell Goddess CD Review
by Brandy McDonnell, Entertainment Writer

Judging from Shawna Russell's promising debut album, Oklahoma likely will be adding another country superstar to its brag book.

The Okemah resident has a strong, expressive voice that couples Stevie Nicks' husky sensuality with Martina McBride's pure sassiness.

Russell co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks on "Goddess,” mostly with her dad, Keith Russell, and uncle, Tim Russell. The latter also co-produced the independent disc, which was recorded at Oklahoma City's Upstairs Productions Studio.

The bouncy "Back on My Feet” and feisty "Don't Put Yourself Out” are catchy, hooky pop-country tracks with crossover potential. The album boasts worthy ballads "The Only One” and "Just Let Go.”

Russell treads firmly in country territory with "Cemetery Hill,” about a small-town graveyard alternating as a spot for partying and mourning, and the Southern-fried grooves "Little Dixie” and "Should've Been Born With Wheels.”

But she proves she can flat-out rock, channeling the Eagles, Deep Purple, and Nicks’ solo work on "Fire in the Desert,” "Get Out of My Way” and her cover of Firefall's 1978 hit "Strange Way.”

Despite her youth, Russell comes across as genuine whether she's crooning the servicewoman's tribute "Shed a Tear” or the empowerment track "Everybody's Got a Story.”

Shawna Gains Attention in France

From BAM's Blog
by Brandy McDonnell, Entertainment Writer
The Oklahoman

Posted Tuesday, September 9

Up-and-coming country singer Shawna Russell of Okemah is seeing some success since the release of her rollicking second single, "Should've Been Born With Wheels." Apparently, the buzz from her debut CD "Goddess" has made its way across the Atlantic into France.

According to a news release, the September issue of France's most popular country music magazine, Dreamwest, includes a two-page spread dedicated to Russell. In it, writer and artistic director Tony Taylor has named her "The Goddess of Country Rock."

"Due to the groundswell of attention for her music, Dreamwest Publisher Patrick Sidoun has ordered copies of Russell's 'Goddess' CD to be placed for sale in over 40 affiliated "Western Lifestyle" stores there - and singles of 'Should've Been Born With Wheels' to be serviced to all country radio outlets throughout France," the release goes on to say.

-BAM

Link to blog:

http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2008/09/09/shawna-russell-gains-attention-in-france

Roughstock.com: Single Review

Shawna Russell - Should've Been Born With Wheels
By: Matt Bjorke

Country music radio goes in cycles and it is common practice for country radio to balance the summertime up-tempo songs with recurrent ballads and do the opposite in the fall/winter seasons. It is these exact times that new, unknown artists can strike with a new song that doesn’t fit the ‘new song mold.’ With its infectious melody, that’s exactly what happens with Oklahoma newcomer Shawna Russell’s "Should’ve Been Born With Wheels."

Backed by punchy guitars, rollicking pianos and organs and a driving rhythmic beat, Russell passionately sings a song about a girl who has always dreamed of living on the road and being a sort of rambling woman. It’s a fun song that really deserves a shot at country radio. While the song doesn’t have any fiddles or steel guitars in the mix, there are no doubts that Russell is country. With sea of sameness at country radio, Shawna Russell’s "Should’ve Been Born With Wheels" is a refreshing wave of tempo.

# # #

Link to review/feature:

http://www.roughstock.com/blog/shawna-russell-shouldve-been-born-with-wheels

Country Music Report

Country Music Report On The Record
September 2008
Shawna Russell Goddess CD Review
by Scott Sexton

**** 4 out of 5 stars

Shawna Russell may be the new girl in town, but that is not going to be the case for long. Her voice is so pure and unique; there is no denying she's going to go places. Being a songwriter, she co-wrote twelve out of the thirteen tracks on this record. Doing this allowed her to express her deepest thoughts with the world in a way that everyone can understand. The lyrics you'll hear are full of strong messages that everyone can relate to at some point or another.

The first track really raises the bar to all of the other songs. It is a typical Country song, however in many different ways, it is not. Yes, the relationship is coming to an end, but this goes into great detail and puts you in the mind set of what the female is going through. The struggles of accepting that it’s over are never easy, but she gives it a shot and with a little "mind over matter," she'll be back to normal in no time.

"Cemetery Hill" is very interesting. This is a faster paced tune and it's about this place out in the middle of no where that has a cemetery built up on a hill. Basically, Shawna is singing about this place being everyone's final resting place and no matter what people do, we all end up in the same place. She even mentions "you can bet on a Friday night, you'll find spirits wild and free." To some people, this may be a cool place to check out and ghost hunt, but for others, let's just hope we are not "with it" or go willingly.

One song that takes on the sound of the 80's is "Fire In The Desert." This is a pretty good song. It is not the best one on the record, but it deserves a listen. Stepping things back up, Shawna sings one of the best tunes on the whole record. "Shed A Tear" about a young lady, Sarah Martin, who is a member of the National Guard. She is about to go off to war and the whole town gathers to pray for her. If that alone don't pull at your heart strings, she also has a little girl whose world is being turned upside down. The only thing that can truly be said about this song is it's amazing.

If you like the songs that are hardcore and to the point, then you should listen to the track "Get Out Of My Way." Once again, another breakup song, but it is Country Music. Shawna gets right to the point with this and tells her loser ex-whatever "there's been nothing but trouble ever since I met you, and you've been dragging me down." How many times have you wanted to say that to someone?

"Little Dixie" wraps up this record. It a pretty good little tune about living close to the country. You're not far from being in the middle of nowhere and enjoying the pleasures of solitude.

This is an album that proves the independent releases are sometimes better than the majors.

What a thrill it was to review this record and get used to the name Shawna Russell.  Hopefully we will be hearing a lot from her in the near future.

# # #

Link to online review:
http://countrymusicreport.com/ONTHERECORDII.htm