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.”
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