Something Worth Leaving Behind

by

Lee Ann Womack

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Lee Ann Womack took her time with this project. After the huge success of her past album I HOPE YOU DANCE, there were high expectations, the bar was raised high. In turn we have SOMETHING WORTH LEAVING BEHIND, a collection of mature songs that make you think about life. Fans of her country material may be disappointed with this release, as there is not much country to be found here. We have some rock, pop, R&B, and more, but its still her wonderful voice. The album opens with its first single, the title track, a song about wanting to be remembered after we pass away. In a way it tries to emulate "I Hope You Dance" the song, but its special for its own reason. The second single is the ballad "Forever Everyday", another country song that should do well on radio. "He'll Be Back" hails back to Patsy Cline days, a traditional country number that Lee Ann handles and performs extremely well. The subject matter of the lyrics on this album is very mature, and thought provoking. She handles the matters of heart on most of the songs. "Surrender" is a highlight, an uptempo number about giving in. "You Should've Lied" could do well at country radio as well, a tender ballad that is so heartbreakingly real and vivid, she sounds excellent. Her vocals are top notch on this album. "When You Gonna Run To Me" sounds like classic 60's soul, while "I Need You" is an uptempo rocker. "I Saw Your Light" and "Talk To Me" are two other ballad highlights. "Blame It On Me" is another good country ballad, about accepting blame for a failed relationship. "Closing This Memory Down" is a beautiful ballad as well. However there was really no need for a pop version of the title track, the original is just fine. Overall if you can open your mind and enjoy other kinds of music, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with what Lee Ann has LEFT BEHIND.