Sunny Sweeney "Staying's Worse Than Leaving"

As a follow up to "From A Table Away", Sunny continues to prove the 90's value that comercial success is possible without sacraficing artistic integruity with "Staying's Worse Then Leaving". Her lyrics have the spite of a modern Taylor Swift song, but it is much more comparable to a song  Pam Tillis would've sang in her prime. Likewise, the production compliments the song in all the right ways, much like that of Shania Twain. However, while she has released the best song so far this year, Sunny's one weak spot is that this song is so great it feels like a classic for a stronger vocalist (like Pam, Patty Loveless, or Sara Evans), and she is a more then compitant singer just not quite the same caliber that could've made this an instant classic.

Grade: A-

Martina McBride "Teenage Daughters"

The first release by Martina on her new label is definitely different then her norm. With that said, its still not great music, but it should revive her career for the time being. The song has an older country-pop sound to it, similar to more recent Lee Ann Womack, and a lyric that is reminiscent of Lorretta Lynn which when added to a tamer vocal then usual adds to a pleasent record. However, thats what this is a pleasent record its not groundbraking just different and is held back by a couple of "do do" moments around the chorus.

Grade: C+

Miranda Lambert "Heart Like Mine"

Miranda continues to stand above and beyond of the rest of her peers  with each thingshe releases daring radio to play the unconventional. "Heart Like Mine" does that and does it with such ease that it works oh so sweetly!

The lyrics are a wonderful combination of her "White Liar"-sass and her softer side shown throughout much of Revolution. Besides that, she includes sharp references to Jesus and how she could hang with him because he drank wine, simultaneously adding humor into her song.

With that said, the lyrics still aren't up to par with some other songs from the album, but the song makes up for it with a better production then previous single "Only Prettier". Overall it is a pleasent song that will keep Ms. Lambert welcome at radio and on critics year end lists.

B-