Life Goes On (Mercury, 2005)

Terri Clark is at her best when her tempo matches the mood of the song - fast and happy or slow and sad. "Life Goes On" manages a few quiet, tearful moments, and plenty of enjoyable, upbeat fare.

The highlights of the album come from opposite ends of the spectrum. The slow burning "I Wish He'd Been Drinkin' Whiskey" is a stone cold sober heartbreak song, served straight up. The title track, on the other hand, bubbles with optimism and is delivered with all the growling sass that Clark can muster. That trademark optimism turns into bland naivet+ with an attempt to address current events in "Slow News Day." Her tribute to single motherhood, "She Didn't Have Time" is similarly dull. Engaging, uptempo production and big vocals save "Damn Right" and "Tear It All Down" from the same fate.

There's nothing here surprising to Terri Clark fans, or as a revelation to those less fanatic. It's a solidly dependable album, though, and one fans will find worth a listen.