I am Shelby Lynne

Shelby Lynne is a alternative country music act who comes out with some of the most outstanding albums of our time. Born in October 22, 1968 in Quantico, Virginia, she is in my opinions the most prolific female act I've ever heard. Her smooth husky voice accompanied by her strong laconic phrasing is the hallmark of her emotional projection of her songs. 

She was discovered back in 1988, when she was only in her teens and was touted to  be the one of the most talented new artist at that time. Unfortunately since then till the late 90's where she came out with 4 Nashville-infused albums, she did not achieve the success where it's due, most probably because she had to adhere to the cookie-cutter formula of the country record company which did not suit her voice.

Then it happens, in 1999 she decided she's had enough and break free from the constraints of record company and came out with this album. I am Shelby Lynne. a soulful collection of heart-rending pop songs. It incorporates deeply biographical lyrics in blues and rock & roll elements, helped by the smokey grains of her voice, the emotion that she exudes in  this album is something that run-of-the-mill pop vocalists will never able to touch.

She wrote and co-wrote all of her songs. Let me lead you to some of her songs in this album  I AM Shelby Lynne. 

Your Lies kicks off the album with sweeping violin and driving electric guitar talks about her anger being cheated by her lover. 

Your lies won't leave me alone
you used to say you loved me did ya
why'd you do me this way
it didn't have to be that way

Leaving is an emotionally-charged song about saying goodbye to her lover, accompanied by soft music in the background, giving her husky voice and laconic phrasing do their magic. 

You thought you had it all figured out
but baby, you don't know what love's about
It's time for me to spend some time alone
I'm tired of trying to make
this your happy home

mLife is Bad is a memphis-influenced country rock song just about sums up her jadedness with life yet the resolve to move on is very much alive. It's a great sing-along especially when you are in the middle of a chaotic personal life you could go

Oh life is bad
Oh no, worst I ever had

rIt's discernible only on the chorus, the rest of the verses for me are bunch gobbledy- gook which only a southern country folks would be able to understand. I think that makes the wonder of this track. You know just as well what this song is all about, and being incomprehensible on the verses make it easier to relate and you could project your own feelings to the song as well.

Not all the songs in the album are about calamity and tragedy, this song Gotta Get Back is about anticipation of being reunited with the man she loves

I can almost touch u,

flying above the clouds in a bit old plane

I can'twait to hold u and c u again

tell u where i;ve been

Perhaps the most beautiful song I've ever heard is this dreamy, flute-driven song of bedroom conversation, almost sounding erotic, Shelby does her magic of making clarity and sweetness the rule of her game.

She repeated Did YOu miss Me Did You Miss Me at the end of the song. It's like the type of stuffs you say to your lover almost every night

And last but not least song from the album is Where I am From, a wonderful ode to her Alabama roots, She sings in a dreamy twang, accompanied by bass guitar and strings. 

Crickets spreadin' rumors by the shoreline
with the lonesome lady whine
crab trap full of nothin
I'm high as the tide, all the time