I'm Just a Girl (Arista, 2003)

Deana Carter sports one of the few easily recognizable vocal stylists in today's mainstream country scene. Her voice is unmistakable, and the way she phrases is just as distinctive. Combine that with the ability to write, as she does with every song on this new album, and the result is a very strong entry.

Carter doesn't write solo that often but she does collaborate with some very good people like Randy Scruggs, Matraca Berg and Dwight Yoakam, the latter of whom also provides a duet on "Waiting." Carter seems to mature with every effort and sounds now like an artist who is ready to provide consistent, quality work from album to album and cut to cut. Just the opening title cut is enough to show that this is an artist who thinks, lives and sings outside the normal country parameters. During that song she confesses to be an American girl, a Chevy girl, a Southern girl and Daddy's girl. She enjoys the simplicity of a Coca Cola sundae, the Beach Boys and her Arkansas fields, while at the same time admitting to enjoy exotic food and fine cigars. She is certainly not an ordinary girl, but one whose music just seems to flow through everyday life and highlight the things that can make each life special.

"Me And The Radio," "Cover of a Magazine" and "Liar" are all outstanding cuts. "Girls Night Out" mines some old territory and last about two nights, but otherwise this album is a collection of very strong songs.