I'm Not So Tough (BNA, 1999)

A few years ago, women were hailed as the next great thing of country with the Carpenters, Yearwoods and Hills leading the way in the heretofore male-dominated field.

Like their sisters of yesteryear who also morphed from a more straightahead country beat, McCready opted for a far more glossy, pop sound with some country overtones. But her album could just as easily fit a pop or adult contemporary format. McCready made a big splash with her debut, flubbed her sophomore release and became more a fixture in gossip that music columns. And two weeks after this was out, she was off the label.

She has a supple, airy voice ("Over and Over Again"), but, unfortunately for her sake, songs do matter. And when it comes to quality, the vaguely country-tinged songs lack any sense of distinction. Ditto for the subject matter where the search for romance rules ad nauseam. If this is the next great thing of Country, we're in further trouble.