"The Metropolitan Hotel" by Chely Wright

a Review by Judy

Have you ever listened to a new CD and thought... "if I just keep listening it's bound to grow on me".

We'll this is one of those CDs EXCEPT, I had one of those "connecting with the artist" moments when I came to track #8.The song "Between a Mother and a Child" went straight to my soul. This possibly sounds dramatic, but it is really the only way I can describe how I felt the very first time I heard it. It still gets to me every time I listen to it. It comes straight from her heart and in a very "non-country" way. I am so glad that I continued listening.

Chely Wright has all of the makings of a true down south country and western singer. If you like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette or some of the newer big artists like Gretchen Wilson, or Sugarland, this is the C.D. for you.

There is no doubt in my mind that this lady can write lyrics and music. She has either written or co-wrote the majority of the songs on "The Metropolitan Hotel".

The songs reverberate a wholesome small town, bittersweet passion that we have all experienced at sometime in our lives. It has just the right amount of heart ache, steel guitar, piano and fiddle.

There's also a re-make (if you will) of Chuck Berry's "C'est La Vie". The song itself stands on it's own no matter who sings it, but she really lets loose and has fun with it.

This is a lady to keep your eye on. If Chely doesn't get the opportunity to perform her songs on her own, they will no doubt get picked up by someone.

Posted on July 3, 2005