I’m a huge country music fan, and I’m not afraid to admit it. My iPod is rife with banjos and guitars, soaring country melodies and lyrics expounding country life. Even though I was born and bred in New England, I’ve always felt akin to country music; and trust me, if I could pull off the cowboy hat and boots look, I probably would go for it.
But, I digress. Recently I had the opportunity to peruse Eden’s Edge self-titled album, and as a country music fan, I was not disappointed. Eden’s Egde consists of Hannah Blaylock, Cherrill Green and Dean Berner, three wonderfully talented musicians who make the down-home lyrics of Eden’s Edge come alive. Hannah Blaylock’s vocals are crisp, clear and superb; I never tired of listening to her voice on each selection, as well as Cherrill and Dean on harmony vocals. I loved their bluegrass, gospel-fed feel, and listened intently to well-woven lyrics. Many of the songs touched upon hard times (as country music is wont to do), but had the feel of coming out smiling on the other side. I particularly loved “Amen”, which has recently had a good amount of radio play. In it, Blaylock sings of a hometown boy coming to his senses after everyone in town dislikes the bad-girl ball and chain he’s got. I find it sweet and catchy, and have found my girls singing it to themselves on more than one occasion. I also love the clever lyrics of the song “Who Am I Drinkin Tonight”, which give a nod to various country music artists in the words, “Are you a Kenny tequila / Buffet margarita / or an Alan Jackson hurricane / Are you a good time / Glass of moonshine / Going George Strait to my brain,”. I have to admit that I tend to skip over the song “Skinny Dippin” when my kiddos are in the car, as the song explains just exactly what the title means, and I don’t think they need any new information on that subject. They do love the last song, though, an a capella one with a nod to gospel hymns called “Christ Alone”. That one is breathtakingly beautiful, and my girls asked me to repeat it three times on our first run through the CD. After a disc full of rockin’ guitar tunes and awesome harmonies, the starkness of the a capella song and the soaring, clear harmonies make Eden’s Edge CD a show-stopper.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your music selection, Eden’s Edge is worth a second—and a third and fourth—look. You’ll definitely be tapping your foot and singing along, and you just might have a hankerin’ for a cowboy hat before too long, too!
-Jessica
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received Eden’s Edge self-titled album free of charge to facilitate this review. This in no way swayed our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.*
