Pope reigns on country chart

Rise & Shine

By all accounts, Cassadee Pope has led a glitzy life. She was the first female winner of "The Voice." She then had a record deal at 17, a spot on a sold-out tour with Fall Out Boy at 18 and eventually garnered a Grammy nomination. Her discography of country-pop is generally glitzy, too. Well, not this time. "Rise and Shine" is a stripped-down acoustic effort by the 30-year-old singer that is thoughtfully introspective without being brooding or too deliberate. ...

Stages

Although Cassadee Pope's "Stage" album includes a few too many pop-country songs for comfort, it closes with a true winner. The ballad "I've Been Good," which turns a customary greeting response on its head, is a true show-stopper. She's been 'good,' yes; good at drinkin' whiskey and nearly everything except getting over a breakup. With its drinking song lyrical reference and sincere vocal sadness, Pope earns her wings as a fine country singer. ...

Summer EP

Cassadee Pope's new release is officially called "Summer EP." But upon a full listen, one wonders if the working title may have been "The Road More Often Traveled." To say that the third season "The Voice" winner played it safe is a bit of an understatement. She penned three of the songs, including the obvious title track and the more impactful, autobiographical "Alien." Elsewhere, the songs are about a summer fling, mean people and appreciating your loved ones. ...