Carol Ann Timmel hails from New York, but her roots are in the south. When she stays true to those roots, the music she produces is the strongest of the set. If there is a complaint to be made about this disc, it’s one word, “variety.” In terms of music, that variety runs a bit too wide, stretching too far from those roots. In terms of lyrics, it’s a lack of variety that makes many of the songs seem like variants on the same kind of “man done me wrong” angst. Despite those two shortcomings, the disc is a very strong one that holds up quite well throughout.

Overall, Timmel has produced an excellent debut, but it’s not without its flaws. Next time around she might want to consider taking more chances with her lyrical themes. In addition, focusing more on the country roots rather than the more mainstream pop side that dominates modern country music would be a welcome change. That more authentic country sound really seems to be her strong point. For that reason, she should accentuate it.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

“Lousy Lesson” opens the set with a traditional, mid-tempo country sound. It’s almost a ballad, but not quite. There are hints of a more modern vibe, but the main roots are in old-school country. It’s a great tune, but is the start of those “you messed me up and tainted my future relationships by breaking my heart” lyrics. “Last night I broke up with someone new and since he did nothing wrong I’m blaming you / Cause you were the one who ruined me for all future love possibilities.”

A ballad, “A Little Less” is still quite strong musically. The lyrics, though, are starting to seem very redundant. Sure, it’s another side of the same coin because the issue addressed here is the lead up to a break up based on a repetitive wrong doing by the man in question. “Every time you hurt me / It hurts a little less.”