Carlene Carter: Stronger (Out now!)

[WotUNeed]

Carlene Carter's new album, Stronger, is set to drop in a few weeks (4 March 2008). This is her first studio album since 1995's Little Acts of Treason.

Carter is, of course, the daughter of June Carter by Carl Smith. Her best-remembered hit is probably "Every Little Thing."

Stronger is available for streaming here. I've listened through to it and it's quite good, in my opinion.

Track listing:
1. The Bitter End
2. Why Be Blue
3. To Change Your Heart
4. Bring Love
5. I'm So Cool
6. Spider Lace
7. On to You
8. Judgment Day
9. Break My Little Heart in Two
10. It Takes One to Know Me
11. Light of Your Love
12. Stronger

[Deleted]

I adore 'Every Little Thing'. I was wondering if she would ever do anything again. I actually downloaded ELT just last week when I was taking a trip down memory lane, lol.

[MusicRules]

To say Carlene has been through a lot these last few years would be a huge understatement. It's the stuff movies are made of.

But a healthy dose of optimism shines through on every cut, just like with previous releases.

[WotUNeed]

Stronger Review

Stronger
*** 1/2
Carlene Carter

(Yep Roc)

Carlene Carter, the former wild-child daughter of June Carter Cash, has finally recovered from 2003. Within 12 months, she endured the deaths of longtime companion Howie Epstein; her mother; her stepfather, Johnny Cash; and younger sister Rosey Carter Adams.

She's now over her grieving period and has married. And she's crafted a solid album reflecting on her losses and celebrating the love that got her through the tough times. Carter, 52, has always had a knack for mixing pop, country-rock and traditional sounds, and here she pulls it off again.

She kicks things off with "The Bitter End," a rootsy rocker that could be autobiographical. "Caution to the wind, she followed her heart to the bitter end," she sings over shuffling drums and nifty guitar. "Why Be Blue" brings toe-tapping country-pop, while "Light of Your Love" blends slinky Dobro and electric guitar.

Carter channels her family's roots in a trio of mellow traditional songs, "To Change Your Heart," "Spider Lace" and "It Takes One to Know Me."

But the emotional centerpiece is the title cut, which recalls her departed sister. Carter's stark, brave vocals are nothing short of stunning.

- Larry Rodgers

[WotUNeed]

This hit stores Tuesday, for what it's worth.

Here's a very nice article from The LA Times.

[WotUNeed]

Debuts at #69 on Top Country Albums.

I guess I shouldn't have expected too much more without any real promo.

[WotUNeed]

Carter has a few live appearances lined up!

22 April and 23 April, she'll be supporting Elvis Costello & The Impostors at their shows in Memphis and Nashville, respectively.

25 April she goes to Los Angeles

12 May she's in London.

23 May she'll be at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.

24 May she'll be at the Rancho Nicasio Bar & Restaurant in Nicasio, CA.

15 August she'll be at the 19th Annual Havelock Country Jamboree.

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Didn't know I'd be getting to see her also when I bought the ticket, but that just makes me even more excited!

I hope she can get some decent buzz going for her. Her album seems to be flying way under the radar despite a warm critical reception.