Shine

Martina McBride's 10th album, Shine is filled with a palpable excitment. The songwriter, performer, and producer known all over the world as one of country's music's brightest stars has created a ringing, rocking pop-country album that has all of the energy of her earliest releases but with a bit more confidence and swagger. The album is the first production collaboration between her and Dann Huff (Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban) and there's a definite youthful resonance here. One listen to "Ride" or the joyous opening strains of "Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong" will show you where she's at. "Sunny Side Up" is a glorious blend of harmony, jangling guitars, and twang. Even the quiet, acoustic moments like "I'm Trying" and "Lies" deliver big drama in their solitary confines. The always-reliable McBride continues to demonstrate why her brand of melodic twang resonates with so many.