by Bambi Weavil
Jessie James (MySpace, Twitter) could end up being the most wanted new Mercury Records recording artist in country music today with her hit single, “Wanted,” co-written by James and American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi. There hasn’t been a artist since Shania Twain on Mercury who has the capability to use her sex appeal and make the country pop crossover, but there’s more to James than looking good.
“Wanted”, a unapologetic country-pop song of flirty seduction, is blazing the charts and the remixes are quite hot too. “Bullet” was definitely branded for James and targeting those who can relate to their Southern daddies being overprotective of their daughter and perfectly knowing what they are capable of drawing: “Cause I’m the kinda girl that you wanna show off / I’ll charm all your friends with my southern drawl.”
Her range is incredible, and there’s no way anyone can accuse Jessie of being a one hit wonder or just another pretty face. “I Look So Good (Without You)” shows off her range, as well as showing a different side of self confidence, and should be her next single.
“Burning Bridges” is a country ballad at it’s best – and I think the gay community can connect to this one’s sincerity of living without apology no matter what others think of you: “I ain’t burnin’ bridges / I’m tryin’ to mend them / I apologize / If I ever hurt your feelings / Got my own convictions / And I’ve got to live them / I ain’t burnin’ bridges / That ain’t my intention / I ain’t got nothing to hide / Yeah I’m good with God, my soul is naked like water.”
“Blue Jeans” could get dirty remixed quick, and “My Cowboy” pop/rap-country declaration could be really popular with the straight girls and the gay boys who want a ‘cowboy’. “Big Mouth” is a reminder that she’s outspoken (“if it pops into my head its comin’ straight out my mouth”), while “Inevitable” is the most solid country song on this debut album. The most interesting thing about “Girl Next Door” is Katy Perry co-wrote it and I’m not sure why Jessie decided to put it on her debut album, though it fits her voice, I felt it would have been better saved for the next release.
Solid debut album with flirtations, conviction and a powerhouse voice to back it up, from a star in the making who won’t be denied. Jessie James has everything it takes to make us want her to stick around and keep making fun records like this.
(Out Impact has an gay online radio station!: Out Impact Radio - click here to listen)
