The Background:Jo Dee Messina debuted in 1996 with the single "Heads Carolina, Tails California". Her album was certifified Gold by the RIAA. Her second album, I'm Alright produced five Top 10 Country hits between 1998 in 1999 and sold over a million copies in America. Since her debut, six of her singles have peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country singles chart and five of her albums have received a certification by the RIAA or the CRIA. Jo Dee Messina plans to release three EPs in 2010, with the first one scheduled for April 27 on Curb Records. Unmistakable: Love will offer seven new songs as well as live acoustic cuts of "Because You Love Me" and "Stand Beside Me." Unmistakable: Drive and Unmistakable: Inspiration are expected later in the year. Messina's previous album, Delicious Surprise, was released in April 2005. "I think this is a great way to let the fans hear all the recordings made in the last six years,"
The Review:
Underrated and popular both critically and commercially, Messina has incompressibly had her latest album put on indefinite hold by the folks at Curb Records for the last six years- this after she has proven to be a consistent hit maker including four #1’s off of one album. Mike Curb is on record saying that this is one of her best albums to date, yet here it is delivered without a single at radio and with very little promotion from the label. If they aren’t going to get behind her work, or even release her work, release her from her contract already so that she can pursue her career. But enough of my soap box. This mini album- some might call it an EP- is seven songs about love along with two acoustic versions of proven hits. Messina has always had great pipes and this album is no different- showcasing the vocals without being bombastic. While none of songs on the album are overly deep, they can all be counted on to be the same radio-friendly fare we’ve come to expect. The title track is the star here- all at once sensual, warm and emotive like the lyrics say, “a breath on the back of the neck.” On this track she gives a satin sheet vocal performance. The last two tracks are easily recognizable previous hits that are stripped down to a piano and guitar and showcase her vocals well.
Sounds Like:
Sarah Buxton
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
I Think About Us
I’m Home
Unmistakable
The Verdict:
Three & A Half Stars Out Of Five
Just received my copy and it's really great. I also just saw her Music Room Series Show a few weeks ago. Jo Dee has such a strong voice, and I hope this album does well. I think Curb is severely mismanaging her and she'd be better off with a new contract elsewhere.
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