Lisa Angelle (DreamWorks Nashville, 2000)

The country flavored pop-rock of Linda Ronstadt's '70's heyday lives on in the sound of Lisa Angelle's debut. Angelle has written songs for artists including Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood and Kathy Mattea. Veteran songwriter and former Ronstadt sideman Andrew Gold co-produced and collaborated with Angelle on 7 of the 11 songs.

With this creative duo, there are a few successes here. The opening "4,3,2,1" features uptempo pop-rock, a strong vocal from Angelle and a hooky chorus that sticks around. "A Woman Gets Lonely" follows with sultry, expressive longing and fat guitar breaks with a familiar Ronstadt-era sound "I Don't Know Why," the closest thing to traditional country on the record, shows off Angelle's torch-song touch admirably.

Yet for the several compelling songs, several others feel too familiar or awkward. "Kiss This" is cliched, and runs 5:01 with them. "Midnight Rodeo" is too cute in its attempt at playful sexiness. The final track, "Sparrow," feels trite and overdone. Add it all up, and Angelle's debut is just too inconsistent to recommend.