In My Own Backyard (Lofton Creek, 2005)

Shawn King has a strong, expressive voice and she uses it to great advantage through the 15 songs presented here. But a mellow mood or the desire to get into that frame of mind will be necessary to fully enjoy this debut disc.

King, husband of Larry, is no stranger to music or to singing. Her parents were in the music business, one as a label executive and the other as a studio singer. A California native she took a long time before finally getting into the studio. Then it took two years to make this disc as she kept her children with her for the entire project.

The problem is not what is included. Songs like the opening title cut and the sentimental "The Place Your Love Calls Home" are well-written ballads that showcase her vocals to their best light. But there's next to nothing in all of the songs that even threatens to make a toe tap and after 15 songs it is a noticeable oversight.