Jamie Lynn Spears seemed to disappear from Hollywood after she discovered she was pregnant at the young age of sixteen. There was a whole scandal as the former Nickelodeon darling was branded "undesirable" by the media. The next few years were a whirlwind for Spears. She got engaged to her daughter's father, but called off the engagement and then had an on and off relationship with him for two years before they finally ended it. More recently, she moved to Nashville, and married Jamie Watson, a businessman. In this time, Spears began to pursue a career in country music.
She released her debut single, "How Could I Want More." "More" is undeniably the best song on the EP. It is a ballad written by Spears and Rivers Rutherford, who has previously worked with Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. It is a very traditional country music song, instrumented by an acoustic guitar and pedal steel guitar. The lyrics talk about a man whom she loves, but doesn't give her everything she wants in a relationship. In an interview with the Bobby Bones Show, Spears revealed that the end of song is a pivotal moment, when instead of saying, "He oughta be the right guy," she says "and I know he's the right guy." It changes the meaning of 'how could I want more' from wanting more but not understanding why she wanted more, to being so madly in love she could never love anyone else. From a new artist, this a remarkable thing to be able to do.
The other songs on the record range from songs about having fun (Mandolin Summer Sun, Run) to songs about her pregnancy (Shotgun Wedding, Big Bad World). "Mandolin Summer Sun" is a cute song about enjoying being young. Spears has not had much time to be young and free, so this is most likely an escape song for her. "Run" has a similar kind of message. It fits that Spears has some fun songs on her record, but these do lack a bit compared to the other tracks.
The other songs on the record range from songs about having fun (Mandolin Summer Sun, Run) to songs about her pregnancy (Shotgun Wedding, Big Bad World). "Mandolin Summer Sun" is a cute song about enjoying being young. Spears has not had much time to be young and free, so this is most likely an escape song for her. "Run" has a similar kind of message. It fits that Spears has some fun songs on her record, but these do lack a bit compared to the other tracks.
"Shotgun Wedding" is one of the most interesting songs on the EP. It's a very autobiographical song, depicting the story of Spears' pregnancy. It has an up-tempo beat, fooling the listener into thinking this will be about something light. The lyric "I got the news in the ladies' room at the BP. Little pink plus, and there ain't no guessing, we're gonna have us a shotgun wedding," reveals a lot about Spears pregnancy that instantly connects the listener to her story. In this song, Spears also includes many lyrics that many seasoned writers can't come up with. She describes her white dress being "off a shade" and "the backyard being the perfect setting." Some may misinterpret this song as promoting teen pregnancy, but Spears guards against that with the lyric in the bridge,
"I ain't trying to say it's right
Cause you can make a lot of plans but you can't plan life"
This song is special because it's in a territory no other country music artist has ever dared to go. This really sets Spears apart.
The last song on the record is a similar story, but more focused on the girl. "Big Bad World" depicts a story of a young girl from a small town not understanding the world completely. The lyrics in this song are the best in the whole EP. She delves into little details about how she felt, stretching them into beautiful similes or heartbreakingly humorous little lines. In the first verse, she croons, "I gave that boy my heart. It was back in the time when I thought you could buy a new one at the Wal-Mart." Later she talks about her experiences in Nashville, singing, "I dig out a dollar for the homeless man but I'm the one who could use the change." The only downside to this song is that her vocals get a bit weak in the last chorus, but the message and the lyrics of the song overshadow that.
Spears sets herself apart from her sister with this album. Who would have ever guessed that Britney's little sister would sing country one day? But because she reinvented herself so successfully, Spears proves to the media that getting pregnant at sixteen didn't ruin her. It only made her find her path in life and made her stronger. If you ask me, country music needs more ladies like that. She has proved that she's back, and this time it's for good.
Best tracks: How Could I Want More, Shotgun Wedding, Big Bad World
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall Rating: 4 crowns
"I ain't trying to say it's right
Cause you can make a lot of plans but you can't plan life"
This song is special because it's in a territory no other country music artist has ever dared to go. This really sets Spears apart.
The last song on the record is a similar story, but more focused on the girl. "Big Bad World" depicts a story of a young girl from a small town not understanding the world completely. The lyrics in this song are the best in the whole EP. She delves into little details about how she felt, stretching them into beautiful similes or heartbreakingly humorous little lines. In the first verse, she croons, "I gave that boy my heart. It was back in the time when I thought you could buy a new one at the Wal-Mart." Later she talks about her experiences in Nashville, singing, "I dig out a dollar for the homeless man but I'm the one who could use the change." The only downside to this song is that her vocals get a bit weak in the last chorus, but the message and the lyrics of the song overshadow that.
Spears sets herself apart from her sister with this album. Who would have ever guessed that Britney's little sister would sing country one day? But because she reinvented herself so successfully, Spears proves to the media that getting pregnant at sixteen didn't ruin her. It only made her find her path in life and made her stronger. If you ask me, country music needs more ladies like that. She has proved that she's back, and this time it's for good.
Best tracks: How Could I Want More, Shotgun Wedding, Big Bad World
Throwaway tracks: none
Overall Rating: 4 crowns
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