Sara Evans - Born to Fly

List Price: $7.99
Our Price: $0.53
You Save: $7.46 (93%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details

CD Details

Music reviews of Born to Fly

Music Review: More Sara, less production...please.
Rating: 4 Stars

When I first heard the single Cryin' Game from Evan's previous release, I was blown away by her voice. I decided then and there that her voice was so good that I could listen to Sara Evans sing a phone book (OK, maybe not a major urban area phone book, but definitely that of a community of 50K or less, including government listings and yellow pages).

That same voice is back on 'Born to Fly,' and the CD contains her a very strong collection of pop-country material. While I understand how country music fundamentalists would be disappointed in the evolution of Evans' style, the fact is that Born to Fly is a very well executed country pop record (this would be in contrast to Iris DeMent's abandonment of her roots and adoption of a more Nashville pop sound which doesn't suit her writing or performance strengths). It works for Evans because the songwriting on Born to Fly is so strong. Evans co-writes six of the disc's eleven songs.

My only criticism of this CD is that many of the songs are over produced. 'I Could Not Ask for More' makes me want to ask for less. Sara, I'd much rather listen to your voice doing a background harmony than a string section...you don't need it. On the other hand 'You Don't' uses so many layers of background vocals and other instrumentation that it forces you to belt out the tune just to be heard over the rest of the din. Your voice has the ability communicate all the emotion and feeling you need--you don't need the strings, and you don't need a wall of arena friendly sound (leave that to the others who have to compensate for not having a voice as superb as yours). With your voice, less is more: more moving, more evocative, more powerful. Don't let them talk you into sounding like everyone else. Born to Fly succeeds best when a great melody, thoughtful lyrics, a good groove, and a great voice are showcased and allowed to dominate the arrangement.

Highlights:

Born to Fly: is a great up-tempo song with just a little too much string section at the end--should have just let a guitar, mandolin and fiddle jam instead of that Sgt. Pepper-esque fade. The song's emotional climax takes place about 2/3 of the way through when the band backs off and for a few short moments it's just Sara's voice (executing a deft little back flip on the melody) and an acoustic guitar.

Saints & Angels: a very touching song love song sung by one person experienced in heartbreak to another. The lyrics stand out on this song: it's about the rebirth of hope and trust in a new relationship.

I Could Not Ask for More: what you'd love to hear the love of your life roll over in bed and say to you. A great love song. Better, however, without the strings, and better if Sara didn't have to belt as much of it as she does.

I Keep Looking: in a way it's the flip side to the mature, battle-weary realism of Saints & Angels. This song describes the restless heart that is never content with what it has--the 'grass is always greener' syndrome. In real life, 'I Keep Looking' is existentially prior 'Saints & Angels' (shuffle your tracks accordingly for maximum impact). This song has a great groove and a great chorus.

Let's Dance: another good up-tempo groove tune. Explains why people who know they can't dance would want to anyway--we all need romantic, playful escapes with the one we love.

Why Should I Care: a low-key, contemplative song of regret about the one that got away. Dump the strings, though, Sara. This song would have been at least as good, probably better with just you and an acoustic guitar.

Four-Thirty: one of those rare songs where the verse is cooler than the chorus (though the latter is very good in this tune). A song about the desire to hit the road and find that special loved one--and be there by 4:30 (AM or PM not specified).

The bottom line: buy this CD, enjoy it, and pray for a 'Sara Evans Unplugged' someday.

Description of Born to Fly

Country CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop