Restless (RCA, 2003)
Sara Evans
Reviewed by Brian Wahlert
"Otis Redding" has a great midtempo groove and includes a bongo and Evans' sister Hillary's intentionally low-fidelity background vocals. The title track, about a woman with difficulty setting down roots, starts with an Irish tin whistle.
But beyond the sonic creativity, what really makes this album a success is great singing and songwriting. "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus," for instance, is a classic country story song that starts with the line, "She wore a dress with cherries on it, goin' somewhere where she'd be wanted." Evans' sweet vocal and the sympathetic lyric turn what could be a story of despair into something else - maybe not triumph exactly, but at least comfort.
Although Evans' lack of success with traditional country music was disappointing, a commercial artist has to make albums that people will buy. And this is definitely one worth buying.
CDs by Sara Evans






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