Country superstar Martina McBride is known for her superior belting abilities on hits like “A Broken Wing” and “Independence Day,” her consistent selection of female empowered songs proves why women are a force to be reckoned with in the industry. And with the April 29th release of her thirteenth studio album, Reckless, McBride continues to lead the pack, focusing more on storytelling and emotion in stark contrast to the powerhouse vocals of the past.
The title track and led-off single is an upbeat, electric anthem that calls for running thru wild flowers and taking a long country drive. McBride keeps the female encouragement going with another feel good tune, “Diamond” featuring the harmonies of Keith Urban – think of “This One’s For The Girls” with a master’s degree. Pianos and soft guitar strings accompany heartfelt songs like “It Ain’t Pretty” and “We’ll Pick Up Where We Left Off.” “Just Around the Corner” serves as a strong reminder that the sun does indeed come out after a storm, and in a world of over produced country mixes about trucks, bars, and girls, this album is quite the sunshine. The four time CMA Female Vocalist chooses sugar over artificial sweeteners and sun and sand over spray on tans in “The Real Thing” (with Buddy Miller). And as a vocalist, writer, producer, and human being, she is nothing less “The Real Thing.”
Reckless shows that not only does McBride recognize who she is as an artist, but that she knows her audience and her true self. If the next 15 years are as kind to her as the first 15 have been, McBride will continue to be an emblem of wisdom, strength, and self discovery.
Released on April 29th, Reckless can be found wherever music is sold.