“twain_shania”
Shania Twain
Come On Over
Mercury
Something can be said for combining pop and country together into what has been labeled “cross-over country.” Many of today’s country stars are grouped into this category, yet none of them seems to pack the punchiness of pop like Shania. With her third release (second of all-original material) Come On Over, Shania seems stuck hopelessly in love. Sixteen songs walk the different sides of love ballads before the end of Come On Over. “When” reminds me of a Cars’ song with a country flavor. “Whatever You Do! Don’t!” is straight-ahead country rock. Excellent fiddle and guitar work paint a landscape underneath the flawless harmonies of Shania’s voice. I have to admire her sense of humor on “If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” “… Ask! “ seems to be an introspective look at how a man can “get to her heart.” “Don’t Impress Me Much” is a modern day version of Carly Simon’s classic “You’re So Vain.” Shania insults typical male posturing and even I could not help grinning. “Honey, I’m Home” starts off with a drum beat that reminds me of the bridge in “Any Man of Mine,” from a previous album. At the end, Shania leaves on “You’ve Got a Way with Me” for Mutt Lange (her husband and producer). Altogether, a good album for those interested in cross-over country.
