
Jana Kramer is finally back with her second studio effort. Titled Thirty One, the eleven track album is set to be released on October 9th. From the lead single "Love," which displayed Kramer's infatuation and unwavering affection for love, to the surprisingly personal "I Got the Boy," even though the song was not written by her, Kramer has shown that this album is not one to be overlooked. This song, "Circles," is available for instant download to anyone who pre-orders her new record on iTunes, and could be a viable option for the next single.
This song is killer. Although the singles from her last record "Why Ya Wanna" and "Whiskey" were quite good songs, (especially the latter track, which did not get nearly the amount of airplay it deserved) this new era of singles is especially brilliant. It seems like Kramer has been more involved in the process of the album, and has co-written half of the songs on her new record, versus only two on her debut. Although this song was not written by her, this song seems to resonate with her, as shown though the emotion seeping out of her vocals. Alyssa Bonagura (Jessie James Decker, Jo Dee Messina), Brandon Hood (Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts), and Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw) wrote the song, and they masterfully capture the idea of a crazy, insane love. The chorus compliments Kramer's booming voice, while the softer verses tap into her softer and more emotional side.
It has been an evolution of Jana Kramer. She started out as just another actress-turned-country singer, and although her first album was good, these new songs and this new record seems like one that could really do some good for country music. "I Got the Boy" is a throwback mixed with modern, while this song incorporates country with pop rock. There is not quite "country radio" anymore, since everything on it these days is heavily influenced by pop, rock or hip hop in some way. But this song and what we have heard of Thirty One is a good direction to take country radio. Kramer deserves another hit like "Why Ya Wanna" was, and this album seems sure to give her one, or many more.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns
It has been an evolution of Jana Kramer. She started out as just another actress-turned-country singer, and although her first album was good, these new songs and this new record seems like one that could really do some good for country music. "I Got the Boy" is a throwback mixed with modern, while this song incorporates country with pop rock. There is not quite "country radio" anymore, since everything on it these days is heavily influenced by pop, rock or hip hop in some way. But this song and what we have heard of Thirty One is a good direction to take country radio. Kramer deserves another hit like "Why Ya Wanna" was, and this album seems sure to give her one, or many more.
Overall rating: 4 and a half crowns