A Stellar Return

Review Score: (10/10)
At first listen you quickly realize that Pam Tillis has returned to top form on her sixth studio release, Thunder & Roses. Now I'm not saying that her past two releases (All of this Love & Every Time)are bad efforts, as they both have there share of great Pam Tillis classics. However when compared to her best release, Sweetheart's Dance, these releases seem to lack something. I am not going to say that Thunder & Roses is a better release than Sweetheart's Dance, but it's close. However, you can't really compare these two as Thunder & Roses seems to have a more Comtempary Country sound than any album Pam Tillis has ever done. She has never been what you'd call traditional country, but you can definitly tell that this release has more of a cross over sound.

As for the songs, most are top notch, however there are a couple that are a little weaker than the rest. Of the 12 songs on this album, I'd have to say that "Jagged Hearts," "Tryin," "Which Five Years," and the title song "Thunder & Roses" are my favorites. Any one of those songs would made a great single and one should have been the lead off single. Of the remaining song, most are really good however "Space" and "Please" (the lead off single) are the weak links. I'm not saying that I don't like these song, cause I do, but neither one will sell you on this CD if it was the only song you heard nor do they show off Pam's great voice, talent, or her wonderful ability to portray emotions in her voice. I've been hearing that critics have said that Pam has matured and has recorded a collection of songs that reflect this, and while this may be true, people of all ages will love this album

Overall, this is a great album with great songs that will hold up well over the years. If your a Pam Tillis fan, this is a CD to get,it is well worth the three year wait. And if your just discovering Pam Tillis, this is a great start that would only be improved if paired with a copy of her greatest hits disc.

More Reviews:

• Hit and Miss
• That voice !!
• Inconsistent
• Great Album
• Too polished
• Lot's of Emotion
• Pam Tillis turns reflective.
• Intelligent Music, Fresh and Mature
• best pam tilis cd since sweetheart's dance
• Thunder Doesn't Always Roll
• Thunder and Roses is A POWERFUL EFFORT!