Breathe (Warner, 1999)

By now, Faith Hill sticks to her first name in her apparent love of the word predictable. She possesses a strong set of pipes ("What's in It For Me?"), though now falling short of rival Martina McBride. The songs are heavily into the light pop country and soulful fare with hardly a twang or pedal steel sound amidst any of the 13 songs. (Oh, there is the bluesy song or two, but it sure doesn't sound like Hill has lived it). Finally, hubby Tim McGraw is present for another duet, "Let's Make Love." (looking at the sexually charged pictures of his wife in the CD jacket probably were enough inspiration for him in getting ready to sing this).

Bottom line - nothing new to get excited about. It's pleasant sounding enough at least when she sticks to pop country goes, but Hill never could be accused of blazing any new trails. Her reading of Bruce Springsteen's "If I Should Fall Behind" is dullsville without any of the haunting vocal resonance of The Boss. Hill seems to enjoy her status in adding to the list of life's certainties. Most folks don't find taxes very exciting either.