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Chely Wright fans will be delighted to know that she is back on the scene with her sixth
studio album! The Metropolitan Hotel is – in the truest sense – a labor of love for Chely; it consists
of twelve priceless gems, eight of which she wrote or co-wrote. She also had a hand in producing and/or co-producing every
track found here. All of the above has resulted in her most personal album to date.
After putting forth ten plus years
in the music business, Chely starts off by affirming what keeps her going: “It’s not the pay...it’s not
the fame...IT’S THE SONG.” Given the title alone, BACK OF THE BOTTOM DRAWER sounds like it would be any other
break-up song. Quite the contrary, however! In this beautifully written ballad, Chely and co-writer Liz Rose shine a positive
light on the impact of previous relationships. Like the preceding track, I GOT HIM READY FOR YOU recognizes the value of letting
go – even if it doesn’t always produce the expected or desired result. Conflicting emotions rage tragically throughout
THE RIVER, a song taken directly out of a past chapter in Chely’s life. After all, how could something so seemingly
peaceful do so much harm?! JUST THE WAY WE DO IT paints a realistic view of true love. THE BUMPER OF MY S.U.V. packs a prolific
punch toward a most unfounded prejudice. This ballad was inspired by a true incident, and to Chely’s credit, authentic
feelings are expressed through a poignant message, without ever using a harsh word or criticizing tone. A haunting essence
lingers in the form of YOUR SHIRT with sentimental memories plastered all over it. Clashing viewpoints BETWEEN A MOTHER AND
A CHILD drives the latter to plead for understanding from the former. It is songs like this one that hold evidence to Chely’s
paramount gift for expressing tried and true emotions through words and music! Hitting rock bottom provides opportunity to
weed through the SOUTHSIDE OF LONESOME. You better believe it – this thing called life isn’t always gonna be candy
and roses! Next, WHEELS of a love taken for granted derails and fights to get back on track. The feel-good toe-tapper C’EST
LA VIE (YOU NEVER CAN TELL) balances out some of the other emotionally-heavy tunes. Some old flames refuse to extinguish,
leaving one to ponder WHAT IF I CAN’T SAY NO AGAIN in the album closer.
Lyrically clever, musically and realistically
original, every track on this album glows radiantly! For listeners wanting to know Chely Wright artistically and personally,
check into The Metropolitan Hotel and you will find yourself looking through a window to her heart!
Reviewed by: Estella Pan
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