Chalee Tennison (Asylum, 1999)

Chalee Tennison's voice may be new to your ears, but it won't be new to your heart. Her song selection, voice, and delivery, coupled with Jerry Taylor's understated and mostly traditional country production style with some pop influences, allow Tennison to share her emotions and experiences in a very personal way.

The 11 songs on her debut range from revelations gleaned from failed marriages ("Someone Else's Turn To Cry, co-written by Tennison) to heartfelt commitment ("I'd Rather Miss You") to someplace in between ("There's A War In Me"). Soaring with each song is Tennison's voice, rising above the steel guitar and strings (yes, strings), tugging at our hearts, and telling us her story, right, wrong, and let's-give-it-a-try.

Tennison's band provides just the right amount of mood and gusto, swingingfrom ballad to boogie. This is country music talking about living, loving, and living with the loving.