Don't Fence Me In (RCA, 1996)

They say the third time is the charm, and for Lari White, this third album is just that. With grittier-style vocals, a lot of attitude and definite musical growth, White offers up an album that has finally seen her come into her own on this 14-cut project (although the CD only lists 13). Be prepared to wear a seat belt when listening to the latter version of "Don't Fence Me In," "Wild At Heart" and even "Ready, Willing and Able." Mixing things up a little bit, she relates a classic country-style song with "Something Blue," and precedes it with a little R&B in "Next To Love." As if that's not enough, she throws in some hard-core blues with a short and long version of "Soul Searchin' Blues." The few songs that fall short are generally because they stand as transition songs or are overly-produced like "The Test." Overall, it's the roller coaster ride that Lari White fans have been waiting for.