Martina

by Maria Konicki DinoiaOne of the greatest voices in country music today and reigning CMA female vocalist of the year shines on this, her sixth album. McBride's previous catalog of music has always been intelligent and full of emotion, and these 12 tracks are decidedly no different. True to womanhood, Martina embodies the spirit of being female in every role. McBride sings about a bride-to-be in the guitar-strumming "Wearing White," as a daughter in the gospel-infused bluegrass "Reluctant Daughter," as a mom in the affecting ballad "In My Daughter's Eyes," as a confident lover in the smooth and gentle "When You Love Me," and as a friend in the soft, midtempo "She's a Butterfly." Other standouts include a delicious reinterpretation of "Over the Rainbow" as only McBride could sing it and the dramatic "How Far" in the style of her 1997 hit, "Whatever You Say." In a lush career that now spans ten years, Martina McBride always has something new to offer with immeasurable artistry.