On Down the Line

by Alex HendersonPatty Loveless entered the 1990s with On Down the Line, an excellent album that contained such major hits as "The Night's Too Long," the gutsy "Blue Memories," and the infectiously rockin' "I'm That Kind of Girl." Despite all the talk about Loveless being part of a neo-traditionalist movement in country, this isn't an album for purists -- there's plenty of pop and rock influence here, and a 33-year-old Loveless is undeniably folky on the haunting ballad "Some Morning Soon." Loveless still found herself being compared frequently to Patsy Cline, who was no stranger to pop and rock elements either. Not that Loveless excludes more hardcore country -- "I've Got to Stop Loving You (And Start Living Again)" is a honky tonk gem. Unpredictable and consistently inspired, On Down the Line remains one of Loveless' finest albums.