It is no secret that I have a soft spot in my heart for female country singers. Nothing makes me happier than when I hear a woman with a mature voice belting out a tune from her gut. I was recently introduced to Paula Sinclair's new album, Steady Girl, and instantly fell in love with almost every single song. Her from-the-heart lyrics reveals a lady in search of love, but also hardened by the sadness romance often brings.Sinclair commands attention from her very first track "Something Sweeter", and honestly, heartache has never sounded better. The fact that she has relocated from Kentucky to Portland only makes me love her more. Steady Girl also includes a cover of Steve Earle's "Fearless Heart", which I think is even better than the original (granted Earle wrote that song in 1986). Sinclair's rendition is warmer, more soulful, and is actually one of my favorites on the album.
Having been disappointed by Lucinda Williams' recent recordings, Paula Sinclair easily takes a firm position in my top favorites among the likes of Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, and Caitlin Cary.
Other favorites on the album include: "Medicine Burn", "Blue-Eyed Kentucky Boy," and "Looking for Love".
