While Bernadette had some moderate
success with her music in Ireland, her heart and talent lay in country music and Nashville
was her dream. Having made that dream a reality, she signed a contract with Rosebud
Records and recorded her first country album, "You Go Girl", the title track of
one of the 13 songs on the CD. Not only does this debut album contain 13 songs, they are
songs written by some of the top songwriters in the industry such as Bobby Cryner, Don Schlitz, Paul Overstreet, Paul Kennerly, Jim Weatherly, Jeff
Carson, Leslie Satcher, Larry Cordel and more. The selection of songs for this album are
top notch and Bernadette's beautiful voice can only make the songwriters even more proud
of their work.
The musicians and backup singers for
this project were also very well chosen... such as "I'd Chose You Again",
written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet and made popular in the past by the Forester
Sisters. While Bernadette in no way mimics the originals, the harmonious backup vocals
were so similar to the Forester Sisters' original version that it was what helped me to
recall that I had the song on one of the Forester Sisters' albums in my collection. The
entire production of this album is done with great professionalism and it is obvious that
those involved are ones who take pride in their work as well as the music.
I had to listen to the 13 tracks of
"You Go Girl" repeatedly because I just couldn't settle on a few songs to use
for sound clips. I had to methodically choose the ones I liked best and finally narrowed
it down to eight (8) songs... more than I usually use in a review, but less than I would
have liked. All in all, I think you can understand my dilemma when you hear the clips...
and for the other 5 songs that aren't here, you can find them at Bernadette's Mp3.com
website... later! I honestly believe that if you listen to the song clips below, you'll
want to own this album... and believe me, it is a bargain at any price and one you'll
enjoy for years to come. I'd also like to point out one special song, "Sally
Gardens", which is the only traditional Irish song on the album and so lovely, it
makes you long for more.
I have only one major regret about
Bernadette's album,,, It sat on my desk shelf for over a year before I was able to hear it
and write this article. I get so many CDs for review that the only way I can be fair is to
do each in it's turn of arrival. Problem was, I got far too many CDs and had far too
little time to take care of them all... unfortunately, "You Go Girl" was one of
those that sat in the "racks",and Bernadette waited patiently... never once
making a fuss that I hadn't gotten to it yet or asking me why. The only fussing is coming
from me... I could have been listening to this album all along and instead, it sat on the
racks. I could have told you sooner just how wonderful this album is and I apologize to
the country fans and especially to Bernadette. You deserve better than you got here,
darlin'. I can't rewind the time and start afresh, but I can promise you that you have a
new fan from here on out and I wish you all the success you deserve.
YOU GO GIRL!
