If this is her debut, we should expect amazing things!
928634
Thoroughly enjoyable, funny, and sweet read. After reading the blurb about the author, I was stunned to see that she was British. She nailed high school in America- well done! I rooted for both characters, and am looking forward to the next book.
2645816
Normally if the CD is not 5 stars, I don't write a review for it, but this is an impressive debut from the former background singer for Mary Mary and their influence is evident in the production.  I first heard two of her songs on Pastor Marvin Winans Sunday morning radio show and gave the disc a try.  What we have here is a 70% contemporary neo-soul gospel, 30% inspirational disc that is banging musically and gives you lyrics that show the young lady has a heart for God, but understands the everyday struggle. Only the interludes keep this from 5 stars in my opinion. Think of Onitsha as a cross between Kiki Sheard and early Lisa McClendon (My Diary, Your Life) with Badu like vocals.  I consider this disc 4 & 1/2 stars worth of good. This is the early leader in the clubhouse for newcomer of the year for 07'.
386713
This is the best ever debut album by a female Australian country singer.

There are 16 tracks, most good, but 3 are outstanding - "Come On Back To Me", "Somebody Stole My Horse", and "Home". And what is simply amazing is that not only does she sing these instant classic songs fantastically, she wrote them all! I doubt any artist in the history of country music has done better than this on a debut album.

A measure of her quality is that she sings the great Sylvia hit song "Drifter", and while not surpassing that recording, she does enough with the song that I would love to hear her do it live. It should be a real crowd pleaser. If you get the chance to see her live, don't hesitate. She's the real deal.

Samples are at allmusic.com. But you won't hear enough of "Somebody Stole My Horse" there. Go to youtube for the video of that one.
1285006
I couldn't imagine a follow up CD could be just as good or better than "This Is the Life", but "A Curious Thing" is so fantastic.  Her debut was great, but I don't know, this may be better.  I can't stop listening to it.  The sound is basically the same and the lyrics are sincere and shows just how good of a songwriter Amy is.  The band deserves a round of applause.  The piano player is awesome--especially tracks like "Pretty Face" and "Don't Tell Me That It's Over."  It's so wonderful listening to an album that doesn't sound like everything else on the airwaves.  She's unique and has her own sound.  She is herself.  That's why we all buy her music.  There is not one bad song on this CD.  If you can get your hands on the Switzerland or Finland import, it is well worth the price for the bonus track "Young Lovers."  Only Amy MacDonald would give us bonus tracks and B sides that could be the next single.  Did I mention this lady is brilliant?!!
2627665
I haven't read this book, but just from hearing the stories she is writing about, it should be great!!
1122231
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel, and I am seriously impressed by both the plot and character development! My attention was held start to finish, and that's a serious feat! Now to wait for this author's next release!
2305046
Mesmerizing, catching voice.  I predict Nikol Ette will be a superstar.  Can't wait for her next album release.  A teaser video is available.
4741294
There are just some things out there that can't be bought. And with the love and support won over by newcomer C.J. Darlington, you won't have to bribe too many people to read fiction this good. She's won me over WAY before this debut, "Thicker Than Blood," with an amazing website like Title Trakk, and then just gives me more of a reason to cheer her on! And if a debut weren't enough, she has the support of some legends in the world of Christian entertainment. Authors like James Scott Bell and Jerry Jenkins have given the nod to her, and voices as familiar as Rebecca St. James gives her seal of approval as well! That's incredible, and I give my humble applause as well.

We join the likes of Christy Williams, a gal with some weight on her shoulders that only a bottle and pack of Winston cigarettes seem to cure. At least on a temporary basis, that is. And when trouble comes calling, abusive Vince seems to be in the shadows of it all. And working for a used bookstore, she's just trying to do her best and convince people she can do a thing or two. And all of a sudden, Christy is caught between a rock and a hard place, and desperate measures might have to be taken.

In the midst of all this, a few hours away, Christy's sister, May, works on a ranch. She wonders what has happened to her long lost sister. Until she shows up on her doorstep. And showing her Aunt Edna's love and compassion, she hopes to mend a few things, and that things might come to light. Well, the bell just may toll in this case. But then again, there are some nasty things that lurk about.

The one thing I kept thinking of was how Darlington compares with the guts of W. Dale Cramer. And I just couldn't help but think of how much fun I was really having after turning that first page! C.J. Darlington is no boring author, and she'll let you know when the bullet hits the bone, let me tell you! Some authors ease off when it gets a little too heavy. Not this one! And I'm glad I tracked this baby down. She has been added to a list of authors I can't wait to read. I hope she knows that. Thank you, C.J., you are awesome!!
384262
Fresh, new, an amazing combinations of rhythms and a beautiful and honest performance. This girl rocks!
1509962
And it is a good thing that she isn't!  In a time when the pop charts were littered with manufactured pop princesses, Michelle Branch was the first of a new breed to emerge with a different concept:  write your own music and write it well!
This debut is heartfelt rock and ballad with a fresh, young sound.  While the songs aren't necessarily revolutionary, they are consistently catchy and genuine.
She has already garnered massive radio airplay with songs like "Everywhere" and "All You Wanted."  She even earned the next step in credibility by appearing on Santana's "Shaman" album, contributing flair with the song "The Game of Love."  Branch's future looks limitless as long as she stays true to herself. I think she'll stick around for a while.
223446
At least, i can feel the emotion in her songs. Happy for that masterpiece from Mariah Carey. Hope, this new amazing album will get attention that it deserves.
3828759
This is a great debut and I hope that she continues to grow as an artist. She is far more talented than the much "bigger"stars in her age nrange She also has proved  to be a better role model than all of the other "wunderkids"- much like the screen stars like Shalene Woodley...
However-even without that, this is an open window to a view of the possibilty of a great talent....to be watched...
4030906
This is a very good debut CD.  Many of the songs lean toward the slower side, but she really makes an impression with the upbeat tracks as well. "Stripes", in particular really packs a punch!  Lots of songwriting talent is in this collection.  Although a unique talent, I think Brandy Clark would appeal to Mary Chapin Carpenter fans from the songwriting perspective and Gretchen Wilson fans from the standpoint of attitude and spunk!  I recommend this CD and I'm sure we'll see lots of good material from her in the future!
3640018
I'm a fan of her single "Biscuit" and am looking forward to more tracks or a new album soon!
1097398
I was very impressed to hear the debut album of Becky Middleton!  She has been well-known on the Dallas music scene, where she honed her lyrical and musical talents for several years, before releasing this album.  In listening to this album, I hear a sound reminiscent of late-'90s Jewel; a folk/country sound that has poetic lyrics and emotional depth.  I look forward to hearing future works by this new artist.
2021182
HOPE TO HEAR A LOT MORE VERY SOON! SHE'S GOT THE RIGHT TYPE OF VOICE TO DO A VERY WIDE RANGE OF WHAT EVER SHE WANTS TO DO.
4290999
This book is amazing gives an insight on how talented the author is and i'm excited for what is to come