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Memories of Martina McBride's musical childhood sparked
the inspiration for Timeless, and the result is just that! From the woman who gave us her own classics like "Independence
Day" comes this phenomenal 18-track super pack! For it, she requested renowned instrumentalists, and the decision escalates
this album's appeal a hundred times over. Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Glenn Worf and Larry Paxton
(bass guitars), Gordon Mote (keyboard), Steve Gibson, Paul Worley, and Marty Schiff – he's Martina's brother (guitars),
and Eddie Bayers (drums), round out the A-list musicians on this project. She also took complete control of the reigns as
solo producer.
From the steel guitar intro into YOU WIN AGAIN, you just know you've found something very special.
Smart true-to-life lyrics and a compelling woe-is-me presentation made it a top ten for the late Hank Williams, Sr. (Charley
Pride also scored a #1 with the tune). Those same qualities make Martina's rendition shine as well. The bluegrass-tinged I'LL
BE THERE is enjoyable – no bells and whistles needed in this simple declaration of dedication. (A side note: that's
Rhonda Vincent and Dan Tyminski featured on this track!) Martina is known for effectively conveying pain through voice; this
gift is evident in I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU, a track doused with despondent sentiments, and also in TODAY I STARTED LOVING
YOU AGAIN. Part of the charm of (I NEVER PROMISED YOU A) ROSE GARDEN lies in the prominent vocal harmonies and majestic string
accompaniment. Recognizing the beauty of those very factors in Lynn Anderson's 1970 #1, Martina wisely chose to feature them
in her own performance. Her usually sweet voice packs a loaded punch in YOU AIN'T WOMAN ENOUGH, paying glorious tribute to
Loretta Lynn's sing-it-like-it-is personality!! The clever ONCE A DAY is an attempt to shine a positive light on a gloomy
situation. PICK ME UP ON YOUR WAY DOWN and HEARTACHES BY THE NUMBER are not only delightful toe-tappers but both are epitomes
of genius songwriting – the common thread is their writer, the late great Harlan Howard. At first listen, Hank Snow's
I DON'T HURT ANYMORE might seem an unexpected inclusion; however, Martina's flawless vocal styling is a highlight on this
fiddle-ridden tune. The flowing ballad, TRUE LOVE WAYS, is perfect for her soaring voice! Her emotion-filled TIL I CAN MAKE
IT ON MY OWN makes a rare jewel sparkle with renewed brilliance. I'll bet Tammy Wynette is smiling right about now! Next is
I STILL MISS SOMEONE, a tune originally recorded by the acclaimed "man in black," Johnny Cash. Add in Dolly Parton's timeless
harmony to Martina's dead-on delivery, and you've got the cherry atop an already perfect cheesecake. Martina's take on SATIN
SHEETS is similar to her predecessor Jeanne Pruett's original, down to the background vocal parts. Get ready to snap your
fingers and tap your toes to THANKS A LOT, a sarcastic expression of gratitude for everything lost. A broken heart doesn't
prevent the ideal that LOVE'S GONNA LIVE HERE AGAIN; this Buck Owens self-penned tune eventually became his signature song.
When a particular song gets redone time and again, it can begin to lose its original luster; such should be the case with
MAKE THE WORLD GO AWAY. Unlike other artists, Martina chose to remain true to the original, remembering the way she heard
it growing up. You can feel the pain dripping from her voice in HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT.
The genius of Timeless
is this: Fans who grew up listening to these country classics can enjoy them once again. Meanwhile, fans of younger generations
are afforded a sensational opportunity to discover some country music treasures in their finest forms. Martina's voice is
as Timeless as the classics she has chosen – not that she ever needed anyone to validate her talent!
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