The Background:It’s been a long, wild ride for Sarah Buxton. While her 20’s saw a slew of self-penned tunes reach the mediocre levels of the charts, the now 29 year old Lawrence Kansas native is finally set to release her self-titled debut album. The eleven-track release, regardless of chart performance, represents a sense of success for Buxton, who has overcome a number of personal and professional demons to be in position she is today. As she has embarked on the road with country stars Martina McBride and Trace Adkins and an album in stores, Sarah Buxton is finally getting her opportunity to shine.
The Review:
Unlike many country music artists, Sarah Buxton’s debut album is a collection of years of tunes that have finally communally convinced her record label to formally introduce her to the casual country fans. As is expected from a debut, this album is certainly radio-friendly, which is, at times, a little over the top. Take the tune “That Kind Of Day,” for instance, in which the lyrics are nothing more than an elementary school poem, but the beat is undeniably catchy, and thus will more-than-likely be an underground fan favorite. Other tracks, including the lead single “Outside My Window,” as well as “Radio Love,” display her talent for combining witty lyrical content alongside smooth transitioning riffs and melodies.
The self-titled piece also features once-acclaimed tunes from the past, including “Stupid Boy,” made famous by Keith Urban’s award-winning rendition, as well as “Innocence,” a tune that enjoyed renowned success upon its release years ago. While these tracks are redundant for the adamant country music fan, they, in collaboration with newer-penned songs “American Daughters” and “For Real,” attempt to define who Sarah Buxton was years ago and who she is today. For future releases, a full collection of original tunes will be expected, but for this debut offering, which is long overdue, ‘Sarah Buxton’ more of a celebration of life and love, and less about proving to fans and critics her talent. Nevertheless, it’s a solid album, one with an adequate amount of personality and honesty, with a few tracks with real hit potential.
Sounds Like:
Julianne Hough singing alongside Carrie Underwood’s melodies, only with lyrical substance
Track Highlights (Suggested iPod Adds):
Outside My Window
Radio Love
Love Like Heaven
The Verdict:
Three & A Half Stars Out Of Five
Review by Chad Carlson. Chad is the Editor of SteelTownRock.com, Pittsburgh’s New Music Authority. To contact Chad, reach out to him at chad.carlson(at)steeltownrock.com
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