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Kenny Chesney In Concert, March 13th, 2003: Review #5 By JoDeePrincess
Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI
Review by Heather Henderson, 3/18/03
On March 13th, Van Andel Arena was filled with 11,000 rowdy country music fans. Kenny Chesney brought his 'Senoritas and Margaritas' tour to Grand Rapids along with opening acts Kellie Coffey and Montgomery Gentry.
Coffey kicked off the show with a string of songs from her current album. Being on the country music for roughly a year, many people at the show were still unfamiliar with her. From all around me, I heard a chorus of, "Who is she?" and, "What does she sing?" Towards the end of her performance, Coffey performed her two hit singles "When You Lie Next To Me" and "At The End Of The Day". Once the crowd finally figured out who she was, the crowd began to show some interest in the show. By the end of her performance, Coffey had proved herself worthy of opening for Chesney.
Next it was time for duo Montgomery Gentry to hit the stage. Their portion of the show contained their songs "My Town", "She Couldn't Change Me", and their newest single "Speed". The crowd really got into all the songs and seemed to be having a great time. I felt that they could have included a few more new songs, but overall they put on an entertaining show full of good music and plenty of fun.
At last it was time for Chesney to take the stage, which is when it seemed like the show really started. It seemed like Coffey and Montgomery Gentry's performances had made the first hour and a half of the show drag on, but it was worth the wait. Chesney's introduction to the stage was preceded by a short collection of video and music clips from previous shows and offstage footage.
Chesney began with hits off his current album, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems". He continued on with a medley of slow songs such as "I Lost It", "All I Need To Do", and "The Good Stuff". It was hard to miss the fact that the audience was touched by emotion that Chesney was putting into these songs , and that these were songs that actually mean something to people when they hear them live.
Chesney rounded out the show with the upbeat songs that are always crowd favoritesm including his song "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy". After a short dissapearance backstage, Chesney returned to the stage for a cover version of the John Mellencamp song "Jack and Diane". The night was one that many fans didn't seem to want to end, judging by all the people in cowboy hats drinking beer hanging around for over an hour after the show was finished. And for the senoritas who didn't drink too many margaritas- this is one concert that attendees won't forget for a long time.
Why Jo Dee Fans
Will Like This Concert: Well, it's just awesome country music! If you like Jo Dee, chances are that you like other mainstream country. So, I highly recomend it!
Why It's Worth
Buying: Tickets for this year's 'Senoritas and Margaritas' tour were a bit more pricey than the 'No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems' tour. $41.75 got you in to see the show. But, like all concerts- you have to at least buy the $25 tour t-shirt that you'll wear once an then sleep in it for the next 10 years. But hey, like the slogan says...for life, there's Kenny Chesney. For everything else, there's MasterCard. (Or GM Card! LOL!) Concerts are the stuff of life- enjoy them while you can!
Ellen Wittlinger, "Hard Love": Review #4 By JoDeePrincess
Released March 2001
Review by Heather Henderson, 1/14/03
I'll admit that it's been awhile since I've taken some time away from listening to my music to read a good book. But when I found some extra time, I used to to read an extrordinary book called "Hard Love". I usually don't like to read teen books with a guy as a main character or narrator- but Wittlinger made the character so interesting and relatable on all levels that I enjoyed it.
The concept of the story is about a slightly outcasted boy who is struggling with different aspects of teenage angst in his life and gets into writing a zine. For those of you who don't know what a zine is, it's like a homemade magazine or publication on the internet or in print. He meets a fellow zine writer, a girl who is a fabulous writer- but a lesbian. He slowly but surely falls in love with her, mixing his life up into a further complication of teenage life and lies. John soon realizes what has happened- but doesn't want to believe that Marisol is a lesbian. And before he knows it, he's learned what hard love is.
I didn't think I would like this book at the point where it started talking about homsexuality and such. It seemed just a little to far to the left for my taste in reading. But it was good for me to read something new, something that addressed this issue in teenage life. Wittlinger presents this topic well- not making straight readers feel uncomfortable. This book addresses a lot of topics that are uncomfortable for teens- but makes it easier for them to understand them through a great teen novel.
Why Jo Dee Fans
Will Like This Book: I'm not saying that all Jo Dee fans will like this book. As a matter of fact, I'm sure that they wouldn't. But for us teen Jo Dee fans- there are a lot of us out there- I think they might find it one of the best books they've read in awhile. Just read the part about when Marisol takes John to an Ani DiFranco concert and you'll know just what I mean.
Why It's Worth
Buying: A good book is worth a read...whether or not you take my advice and buy this book is up to you. I suggest you go check it out at the library first- but trust me, it's one you'll want to read more than once. So unless you plan on using your library card a lot, this would be a good one to run over to Barnes & Noble and pick up.
Shania Twain, "Up!": Review #3 by JoDeePrincess
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Released November 19th, 2002
Review by Heather Henderson, 11/19/02
For those who thought Shania Twain was locked away in a castle in Switzerland doing nothing for the past 2 years, they've been proved wrong. No, she was creating up, one of the year's most dynamic and most antictpated albums.
The CD is actually 2 CDs; red for pop, green for country. Each CD is contains the same songs, separatley recorded and remixed. The versions are similar, but different in style and instrumentation. Songs like "Up!" and "C'est La Vie" have a slightly noticable European influence, with "Up!" sounding more like The Corrs rather than Shania Twain.
But when you really get down to it, these songs are country. The green CD will please Shania's traditional non-pop listeners and fans, and incorporates musical elements of "The Woman In Me" and "Come On Over". But don't get to thinking quite yet that it's totally predictable and typical of Shania Twain. The album is fun, moving, and upbeat at the same time; similar to her other albums, but with different flavored songs and deeper lyrics. And the bottom line is, "Up!" is Gonna Getcha Good!
Why Jo Dee Fans
Will Like This Album: This CD (or, these CDs!) are very different from a Jo Dee Messina album. However, the songs have the same fun tone that some of Jo Dee's songs use- with just a little more tounge-and-cheek attitude. The ballads are beautiful, and something everyone can relate to.
Why It's Worth
Buying: Whether or not you like Shania Twain, this is a must-have CD. The songs are good, whether or not you care about who sings it. And a good song is always worth a listen.
Rascal Flatts "Melt", Review #2
Released October 21st, 2002
Review by Heather Henderson, 11/22/02
With an attempt to avoid the sophmore slump, Rascal Flatts have delivered the follow up to their first album. Melt has proved that Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, and Jay Demarcus are energetic, talented, and creative performers; a formula that has worked for Rascal Flatts. Theyve proven themselves and their staying power with this album; and that theyre not just a flash-in-the-pan country boy band.
Melt is filled with upbeat and love-laden songs, many showing a similarity to their first album. These Days, the first single off the album, has already topped the charts as a strong and slightly sappy song. There is one noticeable element on this CD: all of the songs are slightly sappy and sentimental. But the amount of sweetness is kept to a tolerable level, and songs like I Melt and You prove to be sentimental and touching without overdoing it.
4 songs on Melt were written or co-written by Rascal Flatts. The album also features songs by some of Nashvilles most popular songwriters. Anthony Smith, who is a newer act, co-wrote My Worst Fear for the album. Hes known for writing songs such as George Straits Run along with penning songs for Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, and others. The power of the songs on this album is more than enough to carry the boys of Rascal Flatts to the top, and chances are they wont be slowing down before they get there.
Why Jo Dee Fans
Will Like This Album: Rascal Flatts were able to expand and build their fan base when they toured with Jo Dee in 2001 on the BUrN Tour. Therefore, they share many of the same fans and listeners. Their musical style is similar to Jo Dees, and the songs on the album are very relatable, as are Jo Dees.
Why It's
Worth Buying: The bottom line is that youre going to get your moneys worth when you buy this album. If youve never really listened to Rascal Flatts, chances are you will be more once you hear this CD.
Jo Dee Messina "A Joyful Noise", Review #1
Released October 29th, 2002
Review by Heather Henderson, 11/01/02
Christmas has always been a time to celebrate with good music, but now its even better. Jo Dee Messinas new Christmas album A Joyful Noise expresses the fun, joy, and spirituality of the season all rolled in one. Anyone who knows Messinas voice will be able to tell that its better than ever, with a soulful feel and a better showing of vocal range. This CD isnt necessarily a typical country Christmas CD, but its very traditionalistic and sticks with the standards.
But two of the most impressive songs on the album are original tunes. A Joyful Noise, the title track, is a reminiscing type song typical to Messinas ability to connect with her listeners and give them something to relate to. But the most powerful song is Keep The Faith, a spiritual tune written by Jo Dee. The lyrics are inspirational, and its not just a Christmas song; the versatility of it makes it a song for all seasons. She also adds her own twist to classics like Sleigh Ride, Let It Snow, and The Christmas Song.
And...why would Jo Dee fans like this album? I don't know, you tell me!
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HARD LOVE
ELLEN WITTLINGER
4 STARS
UP!
SHANIA TWAIN
4 STARS
MELT
RASCAL FLATTS
3 STARS
A JOYFUL NOISE
JO DEE MESSINA
4 STARS
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| Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger |
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| http://www.ellenwittlinger.com |
| Shania Twain, UP! |
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| http://www.shaniatwain.com |
| Rascal Flatts, Melt |
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| http://www.rascalflatts.com |
| Jo Dee Messina, A Joyful Noise |
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| http://www.jodeemessina.com |
Visit The Artists Websites For More Info!
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