Mickie James "Strangers And Angels" CD Review
(by John DeGroff)
Mickie James is best known for her wrestling career with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and also with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. She has also appeared on The Jenny Jones Show and Celebrity Fit Club.
However, we're here to talk about music, and James country music debut album, "Strangers And Angels" was recently released. The first single from the project, "Are You With Me" was released this past February.
This particular tune rocks...but it rocks as country music on steroids. And have no doubt that this is bona fide country, especially with lyrics such as:
"I drive a Chevrolet pick up truck
American made that's how I was raid up
I like the boys with the southern drawl
Lord knows it's sexy when they say hey y'all
I don't get into no politics
I like to kick it out in the sticks
Gotta have a little cornbread on my place
I come from the country, hey, hey
Are you with me...."(Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins)
Other great lyrics are found in "Hollywood Movie Moment"
"I left a diamond ring on the table
Threw dinner on the floor
I packed up everything I was able
I don't need this no more" ((Don Goodman, Mickie James, Brad Wolf)
These first two tunes set up the image of a self-assured, in control woman who knows what she wants, and won't take prisoners getting there. The motif of being in control even carries over into the laid back "I Call The Fight". It's filled with wrestling references as you'd probably guess from the title, although it's about ending a relationship on your terms and no one else's.
The single "Strangers And Angels", the title cut of the project, is an excellent country ballad. Although it might be a bit unusual for a new artist to release a ballad the first time out, the song is definitely radio friendly, with thought provoking lyrics:
"What if these strangers are really me lessons
And the little I have is gonna be enough
Maybe I should be thankful, stop being so ungrateful
For all of these strangers, cause what if they're angles
What if they're angels from above" (Chris Tompkins, Jess Cates, Kara DioGuardi)
"Strangers And Angels" rocks when it wants to, with the other half of the project being filled with ballads such as "Falling Over Again", "When You Come Home Tonight", and "Don't Apologize". (Considering the title of this last tune, I was hoping this song was commentary on the Obama administration's approach to foreign policy..but no. It's another strong woman ending a relationship her way.)
The real rockers on the rest of the album are the blues/rock "Freedom Song"; "Make Me Feel Like A Woman", a for real country rocker; and the country bar-room rock of "I'm No Good At Pretending".
"Strangers And Angels" ends with a bonus track entitled "Dumb Bitch". Next to the opening tune and the lyrics of the single, this is the most powerful moment on the album...a musical, kick-your-teeth-in cat fight. But then, what would you expect from a former wrestler?
"Strangers And Angels" is produced by Kent Wells (who also plays acoustic guitar), and showcases the work of Jerry McPherson (electric guitar); Paul Hollowell (keyboards, piano, B3); Lonnie Wilson (drums, percussion); John Billings (bass); Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle); Steve Hinson (steel guitar), and background vocals by Christiana Winslow and Kelly Schoenfeld.
Just like James wrestling career, "Strangers And Angels" is in-your-face, solid music that stays country while occasionally crossing the line into blues and rock. Unlike the WWE, though, there's no on-going story line...this is the real thing.
For more information: www.mickiejames.com
