Record Review: Shantell Ogden

by | Sep 23, 2011 | Reviews

Shantell Ogden
Stories Behind Songs
Nashville, TN

Ogden’s Stories Behind Songs is a leap forward from her last outing, with a sweet, clear delivery similar to Mindy Smith’s One Moment More and the modern feel of The Band Perry.

From Dave Bobrow’s country world beat, Monty Parkey’s piano and the beautiful pedal steel of Kevin Post, the album feels like a Café Americana backdrop where stories are king.

Stories Behind Songs weaves a tale of a strong independent woman maybe not by choice, but through experience. “’Til My John Wayne Comes Along” sets the bar high: “a man with courage to saddle up, take the reins, get it done, a little bit of grit and cowboy brawn.”

“I Wasn’t Done Lovin’ You Yet” tells: “I guess you found the woman you need, you’re changin’ for her, but you wouldn’t for me.”

The upbeat realization it’s over in “Goodbye Getaway” could be the radio cut. Ogden says be strong, recognize the changes in a relationship and move on. “Sweet memories don’t fade,” in “What Matters the Most”: an end to a couple of years of marriage. Love and the ties that bind fade away in many of these cuts, the blues played in bluegrass keys.

Ogden throws up the warning, “I’m not going to be that girl” – not willing to wait around and get burned, she moves forward on this high lonesome cycle. She may still find love, but, “I Love Different Now.”

www.shantellogden.com